PH, Turkey ink air pact for direct flights

DFA spokesman Charles Jose. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Direct flights are now allowed between Turkey and the Philippines following an agreement signed Monday allowing three flights a week to the cities of Istanbul and Ankara and vice versa.

“The Philippines-Turkey Agreement on Air Services … grants Philippine designated carriers three frequencies per week for passenger services between points in the Philippines to Istanbul and Ankara,” DFA spokesman Charles Jose said in a press briefing.

“On the other hand, designated carriers of Turkey are granted: three frequencies per week for passenger services between points in Turkey to Clark and Manila,” he said.

The agreement also allows three all-cargo flights every week from Istanbul through Turkish Airlines and from Manila through Philippine Airlines.

Previously, there are no direct flights from Manila to Istanbul.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu is in the Philippines for an official visit and met with President Benigno Aquino III Monday morning. The agreement was signed at 3 in the afternoon.