Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, is planning to fly non-stop from Manila to Tel-Aviv in October 2021, the Israel Ministry of Tourism announced on Tuesday.
This was the result of a series of discussions between Israel’s delegation and PAL executives amid the improving COVID-19 situation in Israel
According to Amir Halevi, Director General of Israel Ministry of Tourism, this is good news for all Filipinos who have been longing of a spiritual pilgrimage to the Holy Land or a Mediterranean getaway after more than a year of being in the lockdown.
"I am pleased to give this important first step to the tourism industry between Israel and the Philippines. Direct flights between our two capitals will be a game-changer for tourism and business connectivity. This time Israel has a unique advantage as a safe and healthy country. We hope to welcome you soon in Israel,” Halevi said in a statement.
The Philippine flag carrier is eyeing to serve the growing demand for air linkages between the Philippines and the Holy Land to serve tourists and thousands of overseas Filipino workers.
PAL Chief Strategy and Planning Officer Dexter Lee acknowledged that the Philippines is a strong source of potential travelers to Israel where Filipinos can enter without requiring a visa.
“Our countrymen have been longing for a direct flight to the Holy Land for spiritual pilgrimages or for a Mediterranean getaway when the travel climate allows. We also look forward to inviting Israelis to visit the Philippines, so our direct flights will help us restart tourism here in our country," the PAL official said.
According to Israeli government regulation, Philippine passport holders are entitled to 90-day visa-free access to Israel.
There are an estimated 28,000 OFWs in Israel, most of whom are based in the areas of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
Sammy Yahia, Israel Ministry of Tourism director for India and the Philippines, said since 2017, they have been surpassing their target of Filipinos traveling to Israel.
“The Philippine market created a foundation for the steady growth in tourism. Visa-free is a gift for both countries. Israelis had also taken an interest in visiting the Philippines thru the Survivor Israel series. Now they are shooting again another episode in the Philippines,” Yahia said.
Once the global travel climate improves and restrictions are eased, the planned PAL service will enable Israeli tourists to fly nonstop to Manila and connect to the flag carrier's domestic route network.
Israel Ambassador Rafael Harpaz welcomed the planned opening of the direct flight that was delayed due to the pandemic.
“Many Israelis are also eager to visit the Philippines and go to the beach of Boracay and Palawan. It symbolizes the very close, historic, and friendly relations between our two countries. It will facilitate conducting business, investments and will strengthen the people-to-people contacts," Harpaz said.
In 2019, Israel Ministry of Tourism data showed that 34,100 Filipino tourists traveled to the Holy Land, an increase of more than 30 percent since they opened their office in Manila in 2017.