Arkia continues to expand its operations in the Far East and will launch a new direct route between Tel Aviv and Manila. Flights will commence on 01/03/2027, operating once a week with a wide-body aircraft, with prices starting from $750 one-way in economy class.
The Philippines is getting closer to Israel: Arkia has announced the launch of a new direct flight route between Tel Aviv and Manila, the capital of the Philippines and one of the main gateways to the islands and holiday destinations in the country.
The new route will begin operations on 01/03/2027 and will include a weekly direct flight to Manila’s international airport, MNL. Flights will operate from January to April, a period considered one of the most popular seasons for travel in the Philippines.
When will the flights to the Philippines take off?
Flights from Tel Aviv to Manila will depart on Sundays in the afternoon. Return flights from Manila to Israel will depart on Mondays in the morning.
The planned flight duration from Tel Aviv to Manila is approximately 11 hours, while the return flight is expected to last about 12 hours and 20 minutes.
The route will allow passengers from Israel to reach Manila directly and from there continue with domestic flights to the islands and numerous holiday destinations across the Philippines.
How much will the tickets cost?
Ticket prices on the new route will start from $750 one-way in economy class and from $1,800 one-way in business class.
It is important to note that this is a one-way price and not the price of a round-trip ticket. The final price may vary depending on the flight date, availability, and ticket conditions.
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Wide-body aircraft and two service classes
The flights will be operated using a GullivAir Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft with two service classes.
The economy class will include 268 seats. The business class will offer 19 spacious seats that convert into full flat beds, extended baggage allowance, lounge access, personal comfort kits, chef-prepared meals, and personalized service throughout the flight.
The menu on the flights will be overseen by Arkia’s head chef, Shachaf Shabtai.
Arkia expands its presence in the Far East
The route to Manila joins Arkia’s growing long-haul destination network, which includes New York, Bangkok, Phuket, and Hanoi, as well as Tokyo – another destination recently announced by the airline.
The route’s opening was revealed at an event held at the POP & POPE restaurant, attended by the Philippine Ambassador to Israel, Aileen Mendiola.
Oz Berlovich, CEO of Arkia, stated that the opening of the route is another step in deepening the company’s operations in the Far East and implementing its strategic plan for long-haul routes.
According to him, the Philippines offers significant tourism potential alongside opportunities to deepen business, economic, and political ties between the countries. He further added that the opening of the route will expand direct flight options from Israel and create competition on the route.
Manila is Just the Starting Point
The Philippines is composed of thousands of islands and offers a mix of tropical beaches, diving sites, nature, local culture, and diverse vacation destinations.
Manila serves as a major gateway to the country, from which travelers can continue to popular destinations across the archipelago. The direct route may particularly ease the journey for travelers looking to avoid layovers on their way to the Philippines.
Before booking a ticket, it is recommended to check the schedules, baggage conditions, change and cancellation policies, and the latest entry requirements for the country.
Source: Arkia Spokesperson
