Istanbul: The Philippines and Trkiye concluded the Philippines-Trkiye Air Consultation Talks in Istanbul on Thursday, resulting in a significant expansion of air connectivity between the two countries. Under the new agreement, weekly flights on the Manila-Istanbul route will double from seven to 14, effectively increasing service from one flight a day to two flights a day between Manila and Istanbul.
According to Philippines News Agency, the move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to expand the Philippines' air service agreements with international partner countries to provide more accessible and affordable airfare for Filipinos, particularly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez stated that the agreement also makes flight frequencies unlimited for secondary gateways such as Cebu, Davao, and Clark.
Lopez emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue and mutual respect in negotiations, expressing confidence in the consultation's balanced, equitable, and beneficial outcomes for both the Philippines and Trkiye. The increased flight options are expected to enhance competition among airlines, potentially resulting in more affordable fares for travelers bound for Trkiye, Europe, the Middle East, and other destinations.
With Istanbul serving as a major international aviation hub, the expanded connectivity is anticipated to facilitate easier travel for Filipinos heading to Europe, the Middle East, and other western destinations, while also widening access for international travelers coming to the Philippines. A memorandum of understanding was signed by Lopez and Prof. Dr. Kemal Yksek, Director General of Turkish Civil Aviation, to strengthen the partnership between the two nations.
Yksek referred to the agreement as a significant milestone in the countries' state-level partnership. Lopez led the Philippine delegation, including officials from various departments and Philippine Airlines, while the Turkish delegation included officials from their Air Transport Department, Civil Aviation, Turkish Airlines, and iGA Istanbul Airport.
Meanwhile, Lopez advocated for a special airfare discount for OFWs traveling to Trkiye, acknowledging the thousands of OFWs who use Istanbul as a transit point to various countries in Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of the western world. He highlighted that any savings OFWs make on airfare would effectively serve as additional income they could send home to their families. Lopez urged Turkish aviation officials to consider providing special discounted airfare for OFWs as part of the expanded air services agreement benefits.
