In a significant expansion of its international network, Air India announced the launch of non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, beginning October 1, 2025. With this move, Air India becomes the only Indian carrier to provide direct flight services between India and the Philippines.
The service aims to strengthen bilateral ties through enhanced tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange, while offering Indian travellers seamless access to the Philippines via Air India’s growing global hub in Delhi.
Five Weekly Flights with Three-Class Comfort on Airbus A321neo
Air India will operate the new route five times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays—using its modern Airbus A321neo aircraft. The aircraft features a three-class cabin layout, including Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy, catering to a wide spectrum of travellers.
Visa-Free Entry for Indian Tourists Sparks Travel Surge
The launch comes at an opportune time, as the Philippines recently waived visa requirements for Indian tourists for stays of up to 14 days. This move opens the gateway for Indian travellers to explore the archipelago’s world-famous destinations like Boracay’s white beaches, Palawan’s scenic landscapes, and Cebu’s heritage sites.
Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, called the launch a strategic step:
“The introduction of our Delhi-Manila route is yet another step in our mission to connect India with more of the world, non-stop. The new entry rules for Indian tourists are a shot in the arm to boost tourism to the Philippines.”
India-Philippines Bilateral Trade Nearly Doubled in a Decade
Beyond tourism, the new route is expected to support rising bilateral trade, which reached USD 3.53 billion in FY 2023–24, up from USD 1.89 billion in 2015–16, according to the Embassy of India in Manila. This growth reflects expanding commercial ties and people-to-people engagement.
Bookings Now Open; Route Part of Air India’s Vihaan.AI Global Transformation Plan
Passengers can book tickets through Air India’s website, mobile app, ticketing offices, call centres, and travel agents. The new Manila route is part of Vihaan.AI, Air India’s five-year transformation program, initiated after its return to the Tata Group in 2022.
Air India has since:
-
Placed orders for 570 new aircraft
-
Merged AirAsia India and Vistara with Air India Express and Air India
-
Opened South Asia’s largest aviation training academy
-
Set plans for a new flying school in 2025
-
Begun construction of a greenfield MRO base, to open in 2026
-
Launched interior refits across the entire existing fleet
The Philippines: A Hidden Jewel for Indian Travellers
With over 7,000 islands, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant fusion of cultures, the Philippines presents tremendous potential as a leisure destination for Indian outbound tourism—which continues to grow rapidly and ranks among the world’s top spenders.
