Arkia Launches Direct Flights to Manila Amidst Growing Airline Competition

Arkia Airlines is set to launch a new direct flight route to Manila, Philippines, commencing January 3, 2027. This move intensifies competition on routes to Asian destinations, as Arkia's announcement preempts a similar plan previously declared by El Al, which has yet to provide a launch date. The Arkia flights will operate weekly on Sundays using a GullivAir Airbus A330, with a flight duration of approximately 11 hours. The route is scheduled to run for four months, from January to April 2027, a period considered ideal for travel to the Philippines. The aircraft will accommodate 268 economy class seats and 19 business class seats, with one-way fares starting at $750 for economy and $1800 for business.

This development is significant as El Al also intends to operate three weekly flights to Manila using a Boeing 787, though details remain undisclosed. Should both airlines proceed as planned, direct competition will emerge on this route between the two Israeli carriers. Arkia CEO Oz Berlovich stated that this expansion into Asia will foster "real competition on the route and bring beneficial prices to the Israeli consumer."

The announcement coincides with a broader recovery in air travel at Ben Gurion Airport, with several international airlines resuming services in the coming months. In a separate but related development, Israir has begun selling tickets for its new direct route to New York, with the inaugural flight scheduled for September 15 and the return on September 17. These flights will utilize two Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, acquired by Israir in May for approximately $85 million, each capable of carrying around 250 passengers.

The launch of Israir's New York service also reflects increased competition on the Israel-US route. Delta Air Lines resumed flights to Tel Aviv on September 6, and United Airlines is set to return on September 8. American Airlines has postponed its return to March 2027. Wizz Air is also expanding its operations in Israel with new European routes.