More Manila-Istanbul flights on the way

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos can expect more flight options to Turkey following the signing of a new deal between Manila and Istanbul for additional air seats.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) signed on Friday a memorandum of understanding to double air seats between Manila and Istanbul, with the goal of opening up more flights.

The agreement signed with the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) seeks to double the number of flights between the capital cities to 14 weekly from seven.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agreement would expand flight choices to Istanbul, which is an aviation gateway to Europe and the Middle East. In return, tourists from western nations will find it easier to access the Philippines via Turkey.

On top of this, the memorandum allows unlimited flights to Istanbul from secondary gateways in Cebu, Clark and Davao. Mactan-Cebu International Airport, for instance, had weekly services to Istanbul until 2025, flown by flag carrier Turkish Airlines.

Currently, the airline flies daily between Manila and Istanbul, deploying a Boeing 777-300ER for the 13-hour flight.

Lopez hopes air consultation talks between the DOTr and Turkish aviation regulators continue to explore more flight opportunities between the Philippines and Turkey.

“I am confident that this consultation would continue in the tradition and result in outcomes that are balanced, equitable and beneficial to both the Philippines and Turkiye,” Lopez said.

DGCA acting director general Kemal Yuksek supports Lopez’s optimism, saying air connectivity must be enhanced to raise trade and tourism activities.

As flight rights expand, Yuksek said more airlines would be enticed to put up direct services.

Diplomatically, Yuksek said the expansion of air rights aligns the Philippines and Turkey in their efforts to expand trade corridors.

Yuksek also sees the importance of the agreement in pushing up state-to-state tourism in spite of the geographical distance.

Lopez committed to keep on exploring avenues where the DOTr could seek new flights and push for additional capacity to improve traveling choices and costs for Filipinos.

Lopez led a delegation of government officials and Philippine Airlines executives in the air talks with Turkey held in Istanbul.