Arkia to launch direct flights to Manila in January
The Israeli airline will operate one weekly flight to the Philippines beginning January 3, 2027, with fares starting at $750 one way. The new route expands Arkia's growing long-haul network and will give the airline an opportunity to test demand for direct travel to the Philippines.
Arkia announced Tuesday that it is expanding its long-haul network with a new direct route to Manila, Philippines, beginning January 3, 2027.
The airline will operate one weekly flight to Manila International Airport (MNL), departing Tel Aviv on Sundays. The flight from Tel Aviv will take approximately 11 hours, while the return journey will take about 12 hours and 20 minutes.
The route will be operated using a wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft with business and economy classes. Fares will start at $750 one way in economy class and $1,800 in business class.
Manila joins the long-haul destinations Arkia has been developing in recent years, including New York, Bangkok, Phuket and Hanoi, with Tokyo also expected to join the network soon. The expansion reflects the company's strategy of increasing its presence in direct flights to long-haul destinations, a market previously dominated by large foreign carriers and El Al.
The new route could also increase competition and put pressure on airfares to the Philippines, where there is currently no active direct service from Israel. At the same time, the initial weekly service will give Arkia an opportunity to gauge demand for the destination and determine whether higher frequencies could be justified in the future.
According to Arkia, the Philippines offers potential not only as a tourism destination but also for strengthening business and economic ties between the two countries. The route could also serve Filipino workers living in Israel, their families and travelers visiting the Philippines for religious or pilgrimage purposes.
