MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is pushing for the launch of direct flights connecting the Philippines and Israel. The DOTr’s efforts align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand international air connectivity and strengthen bilateral ties with other countries. In a statement on Tuesday, acting DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the department is working with Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh to open these direct flights. “We can start working on the direct flight from Israel to the Philippines. Rest assured that I'm going to work closely with (Philippine) Ambassador (to Israel) Aileen (Mendiola) and the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and the other relevant government agencies,” Lopez said. He committed to establishing the direct flight within the year and as soon as possible. In a meeting with Lopez on Monday, Kursh said the Israeli government also supports the direct flights and that its citizens have expressed interest in visiting the Philippines’ top tourism destinations. “I do identify this opportunity in business as a big opportunity, and the sky is the limit. So, let's try to explore these opportunities both for Israelis and Filipinos,” she said. On the other hand, Mendiola said these direct flights could unlock economic opportunities for both countries. “These are very important for us. My long-range goal is actually investments, two-way investments, two-way projects. This way, the flight is a conduit to all of those interactions that we will be having. And I'm really very excited to make this happen sooner than later,” she said. On Monday, Israel’s national carrier, EL AL Airlines, announced plans to introduce non-stop or direct flights between Israel and the Philippines by 2027. In particular, departures from Israel are expected to start in March 2027, while flights departing from Manila remain subject to regulatory approvals. (PNA)