Philippines and Korea Agree to Increase Weekly Flight Seats Between Manila and Incheon

The Philippines and Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to increase the weekly seat capacity for flights between Manila and Incheon by 10,000, raising the total from 20,000 to 30,000 seats. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced this development, highlighting that the increase would be realized once airlines take advantage of the opportunity to boost passenger traffic between the two capital cities.

Additionally, the MOU imposes no limits on flights from Manila to other points in Korea, as well as from points outside Manila to all destinations in Korea. This expanded capacity is expected to enhance connectivity and support the tourism and business sectors between the two nations.

Korean tourists constitute one of the largest tourism markets in the Philippines. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed that as of May 2024, Korean tourist arrivals in the Philippines reached approximately 682,362.

The Philippine delegation at the signing was led by DOTr Assistant Secretary for Aviation and Airports Enrique Antonio Esquivel III, accompanied by DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Department of Labor and Employment Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine Serrano, and Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Raly Tejada.

The Korean delegation was headed by Jiyoung Shim, Director of the International Air Transport Division of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, along with other officials from the Ministry.