Arkia Cancels Vietnam Flight, Boosts Hanoi Service, Adds Manila Route

Israeli airline Arkia has canceled its planned direct flight from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, citing insufficient passenger demand. The route, initially slated to launch in October 2026 with a flight time of approximately 13.5 hours and an economy class round-trip fare of around $1500, was scrapped during the pre-sale phase due to lower-than-expected interest.

Instead of expanding to southern Vietnam, Arkia, led by Oz Berlovich, will reallocate resources to strengthen other Asian routes. The airline will double its direct flights to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, operating two weekly services in October and November, up from the previously planned one.

In parallel with these adjustments, Arkia is expanding its presence in East Asia by launching a new direct route to Manila, Philippines. This service is scheduled to commence on January 3, 2027, with one weekly flight using Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, which will include a business class option. Economy class tickets to Manila will start at $749 one-way.

The introduction of the Manila route coincides with the broader recovery of the aviation industry and the gradual return of foreign airlines to Ben Gurion Airport.