The Philippines and Türkiye have signed an expanded bilateral air services agreement, allowing Turkish Airlines to increase direct Manila-Istanbul flights to 14 times weekly from the current 7, boosting connectivity between the two countries.
The expanded air connectivity was sealed through a memorandum of understanding signed by Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Prof. Dr. Kemal Yüksek, director general of Turkish Civil Aviation, at the conclusion of the Philippines-Türkiye Air Consultation Talks in Istanbul on August 13, 2026.
Lopez expressed confidence that the expanded air services agreement would strengthen international connectivity and open greater opportunities for trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
“As partners, we have always demonstrated that constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and a willingness to understand each other’s perspectives are the foundations of successful negotiations. I am confident that this consultation will continue in the tradition and result in outcomes that are balanced, equitable, and beneficial to both the Philippines and Türkiye,” said Lopez.
Meanwhile, Yüksek said the agreement marks a significant milestone in the state-level partnership between the two countries.
“This accord solidifies our strategic alignment, aiming to expand sovereign trade corridors, catalyze state-to-state tourism, and deepen institutional ties to bridge our geographical distance with enduring diplomatic foundations. We express our formal appreciation to Secretary Giovanni Lopez for his ministerial dedication and leadership, which were instrumental in securing this successful sovereign outcome,” Yüksek said.
Under the agreement, the current Manila-Istanbul weekly flight allocation will double from seven to 14 flights, or two flights a day, from the previous one flight a day between the Philippines and Türkiye.
In addition, both countries agreed to allow unlimited flight frequencies for secondary gateways such as Cebu, Davao, and Clark, as well as other airports.
As an important international aviation hub, Istanbul will provide Filipinos with easier connections to Europe, the Middle East, and other destinations in the western part of the world.
With increased connectivity, greater competition among airlines is expected to help bring down airfares for travel to Türkiye, Europe, and the Middle East.
Aside from Lopez, members of the Philippine delegation included officials from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Embassy in Ankara, and Philippine Airlines.
The Türkiye delegation included representatives from the Turkish Air Transport Department, Civil Aviation, Turkish Airlines, and iGA Istanbul Airport.
Philippines and Turkiye officials pose following the successful conclusion of the Air Consultation Talks on August 13, 2026 in Istanbul.
