PHL, Spain ink agreement to pave way for direct flights

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines has inked an agreement with Spain to improve air connectivity between the two countries. In an e- mail interview with

BusinessWorld on Thursday, the Philippine Embassy in Madrid said the agreement is meant to grant direct flights linking the Philippines and Spain.

“Once private airlines such as PAL decide to take advantage of this opportunity, we expect this to boost trade, tourism, and people- to- people connectivity between the Philippines and Spain,” it added.

In a statement on Wednesday, DFA said the air transport agreement signed on June 12 in Madrid intends to create “fair and equal opportunities for both countries” with the promotion of an “international aviation system.”

“The signing comes at a time when current positive economic developments in the Philippines and Spain could open countless opportunities for the two countries, especially in the field of tourism and trade,” it said.

The two countries said they are positive the air transport agreement would help foster a healthy environment for Filipinos and Spaniards traveling from the Philippines and Spain. —