THE Philippines and Bahrain have concluded a new air services agreement that Manila says will significantly increase the number of flights between the two countries.

It was the fourth air deal that Manila has concluded with the Middle East this year.

The talks with Bahrain were held on Feb. 26 to 27, and they followed the same with Qatar on Jan. 14 to 15, with the United Arab Emirates on Jan. 28 to 29, and with Kuwait on Feb. 16 to 17.

The deal with Bahrain would increase the flights between Manila and that country to eight frequencies a week on each direction from six, Transport Secretary Leandro Mendoza said.

A maximum of 28 frequencies a week from three is allowed on the Bahrain-Clark/Subic route, to seven from one on the Bahrain-Cebu route, and to seven from one on each direction to Bahrain from outside Manila. Roderick T. dela Cruz