The Philippines and Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to boost the weekly seat capacity on flights between Manila and Incheon by 10,000, increasing the total from 20,000 to 30,000, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The MOU also lifts restrictions on flights from Manila to other destinations in Korea, as well as flights from locations outside Manila to all points in Korea. The DOTr expects that the increased capacity will benefit the market once airlines capitalize on the opportunity to handle more passenger traffic between the capital cities.
Koreans represent a significant portion of the tourism market in the Philippines. As of May 2024, approximately 682,362 Korean tourists have visited the Philippines, based on data from the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The signing ceremony saw DOTr Assistant Secretary for Aviation and Airports Enrique Antonio Esquivel III leading the Philippine delegation. He was 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 led by Jiyoung Shim, Director of the International Air Transport Division of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. She was joined by Daeyoung Kim and Jaehyung Kim, Assistant Directors for the International Air Transport Division, and Jeeun Song, Interpreter for the same division.