Arkia Launches First Direct Flights to Manila in 70 Years

Israeli airline Arkia is launching the first direct, regular flights between Israel and the Philippines in approximately 70 years, with the inaugural flight to Manila scheduled for January 3, 2027. This marks the first time an Israeli carrier will operate this route, which was last served briefly by Philippine Airlines in the 1950s. The new weekly service will depart from Tel Aviv on Sundays and return on Mondays, operating between January and April during the Philippines' peak tourist season.

Arkia's move preempts a planned direct route to Manila by El Al, which announced its intentions in February but has yet to set a launch date. The flight duration will be around 11 hours from Tel Aviv to Manila and approximately 12 hours and 20 minutes on the return. Ticket prices will start at $750 for a one-way economy ticket and $1,800 for a one-way business class ticket.

The flights will be operated on a wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft leased from GullivAir, featuring 268 economy seats and 19 business class seats. Business class passengers will receive amenities including fully reclining seats, enhanced baggage allowance, lounge access, amenity kits, and special meals curated by the airline's head chef, Shachaf Shabtai.

This new route expands Arkia's long-haul network in the Far East, which already includes destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Hanoi, and Tokyo, in addition to flights to New York. Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz announced the route at an event attended by the Philippines' Ambassador to Israel, Ilieana Mendiola. Berlowitz stated that the new service will foster competition, offer better prices for Israeli consumers, and serve as a gateway to the Philippines' numerous islands, which are considered top global tourist destinations.