The Philippines and Turkey have agreed to expand the number of flights between Manila and Istanbul to seven per week from the current three.
Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) executive director Carmelo Arcilla said the two countries signed on June 10 a memorandum of understanding increasing the weekly flights between the two capitals.
“In addition, the parties also agreed to allow 14 flights per week between Turkey and all other international airports in the Philippines, except Manila,” Arcilla noted.
Flag carrier Turkish Airlines currently operates three weekly flights between Istanbul and Manila. The carrier started its Philippine operations in March 2015 and plans to increase flights from three to seven weekly in October.
Arcilla noted that Turkey is a gateway to Europe, where Turkish Airlines has about 106 destinations.
Moreover, both countries agreed to allow Philippine carriers fifth freedom rights to Frankfurt or Tel Aviv. This, Arcilla said, will allow a Philippine airline to fly from Manila to Istanbul and onwards to Frankfurt or Tel Aviv.
So far this year, the Philippines has signed new air agreements with Singapore, Oman, Australia, and Qatar. It is conducting further air talks with other countries to boost trade and tourism.
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