The Philippines has signed an agreement with Iceland to open up traffic rights for daily flights between Manila and Reykjavík, paving the way for a more convenient travel option for Filipinos headed to the majestic land of fire and ice.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said an initial air services agreement was signed during air negotiation talks in Reykjavík from Aug. 18 to 19.

The deal, entered into by the foreign affairs departments of both countries, aims to allow seven flights per week, or one per day, for passenger and cargo services between Manila and Reykjavík.

These traffic rights are expected to give airlines from either country greater flexibility to establish services between the capitals, subject to market demand and commercial viability.

The prospective service may take the form of direct flights or connecting flights requiring one or more layovers.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the initial agreement will serve as the foundation for future aviation relations between the two countries.

“[This] will provide our airlines with a framework to explore new opportunities for connectivity between our two countries and, ultimately, between our respective regions,” he said.

Lopez expressed optimism that developing air services will bring the two nations closer together despite the massive geographical distance between them.

Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Nordic island nation of Iceland is a dream tourist destination for many Filipinos due to its mesmerizing landscapes of glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes, as well as its front-row access to the northern lights.

Iceland is also home to a growing Filipino population, which forms the largest Asian diaspora in the country. Icelandic government data shows that over 3,000 Filipinos were living there as of Jan. 1 this year.

Trade cooperation between the two nations is currently facilitated through the Philippines’ free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Iceland is a member.

The DOTr said it will continue coordinating with its Icelandic counterpart and other aviation stakeholders to implement the agreement effectively.

It added that it will pursue additional aviation markets, particularly in the Nordic region, to benefit passengers, tourism, and the broader economy.

The DOTr also recently signed an agreement with Türkiye to double flights between Manila and Istanbul to 14 per week.