Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced on Friday, April 30, that it plans to mount nonstop flights from Manila to Tel Aviv – the gateway to Jerusalem and Israel – by October 2021.

In a statement, PAL said it is eyeing twice weekly nonstop flights to Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion International Airport, using its Airbus A350 aircraft.

Israel, a world leader in COVID-19 vaccination, is gradually reopening its borders to international tourism, starting with vaccinated tour groups from May 23.

“Direct flights between our two capitals will be a game-changer for tourism and business connectivity. This time Israel has [a] unique advantage as a safe and healthy country,” said Israel Ministry of Tourism Director General Amir Halevi.

The last time PAL regularly flew to Tel Aviv was in the 1950s.

“Our countrymen have been longing for a direct flight to the Holy Land for spiritual pilgrimages or for a Mediterranean getaway when the travel climate allows,” said PAL chief strategy and planning officer Dexter Lee.

“We also look forward to inviting Israelis to visit the Philippines, so our direct flights will help us restart tourism here in our country,” added Lee.

Philippine passport holders are entitled to a 90-day visa-free access to Israel. Around 28,000 Filipinos currently work in Israel. – Rappler.com