Full Breakdown
Arkia to Open Israel’s First Direct Tel Aviv-Manila Service in 2027
9/9/2026, 2:09:26 AM
Core Event
Arkia announced that it will launch a weekly nonstop flight between Ben Gurion Airport and Manila International Airport, beginning on January 3, 2027. The service will run seasonally from January through April, with departures from Tel Aviv on Sunday afternoons and returns from Manila on Monday mornings.
Background & Context
The new route expands Arkia’s long-haul network, which in recent years has added destinations such as New York, Bangkok, Phuket, Hanoi and Tokyo. The airline’s strategy is to increase direct connections to Asian markets that have traditionally been served by larger foreign carriers and Israel’s flag carrier, El Al. El Al has also signaled intent to fly to Manila, planning three weekly Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights, but has not yet set a launch date. Arkia’s entry therefore gives it a first-mover advantage on the Israel-Philippines corridor.
Data & Statistics
- Frequency: One weekly flight, seasonal (January-April 2027).
- Aircraft: Wide-body Airbus A330 operated by Bulgarian carrier GullivAir.
- Capacity: 268 economy seats and 19 business-class seats with fully flat beds.
- Fares: Economy tickets start at $750 one-way; business-class tickets start at $1,800 one-way.
- Flight time: Approximately 11 hours eastbound and 12 hours 20 minutes westbound.
All figures are drawn from Arkia’s public announcement and reporting by industry outlets.
Why It Matters
- Tourism: The Philippines, with over 7,000 beaches and popular islands such as Palawan, Boracay and Cebu, has become a favored destination for Israeli travelers. Direct flights eliminate the need for a stopover, potentially increasing visitor numbers and supporting local hospitality sectors.
- Business & Trade: The Philippines is a member of the ASEAN free-trade zone. The new link may enable Israeli firms to explore opportunities in the Philippines’ semiconductor, artificial-intelligence, blue-economy and agricultural industries, while also leveraging ASEAN’s broader trade network.
- Airline Competition: By offering a low-cost weekly service, Arkia could pressure fares on the Israel-Philippines market, prompting incumbent carriers such as El Al to accelerate their own plans.
Timeline
- January 3, 2027 (occurred): Arkia announced the upcoming direct Tel Aviv-Manila route.
- January 3, 2027 (scheduled): First scheduled flight departs Tel Aviv.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The launch of the Manila route is another step in further deepening Arkia’s operations in the Far East and in implementing our strategic plan for long-haul routes,” — Oz Berlowitz, CEO of Arkia
- “Experience the Philippines yourself, don’t just scroll through the feeds,” — Israel Aileen Mendiola
- “There are so many things to do… we have the surf, the sea, and turquoise waters.” — Pass Island
- “Launching the route to Manila is another step in deepening Arkia’s operations in the Far East and implementing our strategic plan for long-haul flights,” — Oz Berlowitz, CEO of Arkia
These quotations capture the airline’s strategic rationale and the diplomatic enthusiasm surrounding the new connection.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No substantive discrepancies were identified among the sources regarding flight frequency, aircraft type, fare levels, or launch date. Information on projected passenger demand and long-term frequency adjustments remains unavailable.
