Bilateral talks on air services between the Philippines and Italy last September 5 and 6 resulted in good news. According to the Civil Aeronautics Board, Philippine and Italian airliners can now resume direct flights between the two countries.

Because of the improving safety standards of Philippine airlines, the European Union has lifted a ban on the local airline companies beginning July this year. The Philippines and Italy can now have 14 flights a week.

Since 1969, both countries only had 1 flight a week.

The news was welcomed by Malacañang on Sunday which said that this will benefit local tourism and overseas Filipino workers.

Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the 170,000 OFWs in Italy will greatly benefit from the news since they can now book cheaper direct flights. Tourism will also benefit from the news as the country continues to experience a growing number of tourists.