Air India to launch non-stop Delhi-Manila flights from October, reconnecting India and the Philippines after 12 years

In a significant boost to India-Philippines connectivity, Air India, a Tata Group airline, has announced the launch of non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, starting October 1, 2025. This marks the resumption of direct air service between the two capitals after more than a decade, with the last such operation carried out by Philippine Airlines in 2013, which was later suspended due to low demand.

However, the travel landscape has transformed over the past 12 years. India’s outbound tourism has witnessed significant growth, with several Southeast Asian countries—including Thailand and Malaysia—actively attracting Indian tourists. The Philippines recently joined this list by announcing visa-free entry for Indian travellers for up to 14 days, further fuelling travel interest.

New Delhi-Manila Route: Schedule & Aircraft

Air India’s upcoming Delhi-Manila service will operate five times a week—on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday—using the Airbus A321neo aircraft. The aircraft will feature a three-class cabin: Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy, catering to a wide spectrum of travellers. The flight duration is expected to be approximately six and a half hours, and bookings are now open across all official booking platforms.

Surge in Indian Tourists to the Philippines

The launch aligns with a growing trend of Indian travellers choosing the Philippines as a leisure destination. The country—famous for its pristine islands and stunning beaches—has witnessed a notable uptick in Indian tourist arrivals. As per the Philippines Department of Tourism, nearly 79,000 Indian nationals visited in 2024, reflecting a 12.4% year-on-year growth and a 53% increase compared to 2022 figures.

Previously, Indian travellers could avail 14-day visa-free access only if they held valid visas or permanent residency for countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or Schengen zone nations. The expanded visa-free policy now allows all Indian tourists to enter without a visa, making it easier and more attractive to explore the Philippine archipelago.