Air talks between the Philippines and Bahrain ended successfully with increased flights between both countries, an official from the Department of Transportation and Communication said Tuesday.

Under the new agreement, Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza said flights between Manila and Bahrain have increased to eight frequencies a week on each direction from its previous six frequencies.

"This is a welcome development in the civil aviation sector. Through the additional entitlements, we will be able to keep up with the demand for flight capacity due to the growing number of overseas Filipino workers going to this oil-rich country," Mendoza said in a statement.

The agreement has also provided a maximum of 28 frequencies a week for the Bahrain-Clark/Subic route on each direction from the existing three frequencies a week.

Flights between Bahrain and Cebu, on the other hand, will be increased to seven frequencies weekly on each direction from its previous one frequency a week.

Flights to Bahrain to roving points outside Manila will also increase to seven frequencies per week on each direction from its previous thrice-weekly frequency.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Doroteo Reyes, chairman of the Philippine delegation, said the increase in the RP-Bahrain capacity entitlements will answer the demand for more air services in the said route: "It will also optimize air traffic at our various airports.” 

The RP-Bahrain air talks were held from February 25 to 26. The country has previously made air negotiations with other countries in the Middle East such as Qatar (January 14 to 15), United Arab Emirates (January 28 to 29), and Kuwait (February 16 to 17).

Successful air talks are helpful in boosting the economy as it paves the way for more tourists and investments in the country.

Last week, Gokongwei-led carrier Cebu Pacific has expressed interest to mount flights for the lucrative Philippines-Middle East route, starting with the UAE.

If ever, this route will be the carrier's first try in the long haul market. It currently covers regional and local destinations, where flights just last up to three hours.