Air India announced recently that it will launch the first-ever non-stop flights between India and the Philippines, commencing on October 1, 2025. By introducing a direct service between Delhi and Manila, Air India will become the sole carrier connecting the two nations, aiming to significantly boost tourism, trade, and cultural ties.
The new route is strategically timed to capitalize on the Philippines’ recent decision to grant visa-free entry for up to 14 days to Indian tourists. This policy change is expected to unlock significant tourism potential, making it easier for Indian travelers to visit popular destinations like the beaches of Boracay and the landscapes of Palawan.
The service will operate five times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Air India will deploy its Airbus A321neo aircraft on the route, which is configured with a three-class cabin offering choices of Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class.
Mr. Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director of Air India, commented on the launch, stating, “The introduction of our Delhi-Manila route is a yet another step in our mission to connect India with more of the world, non-stop.” He noted that with outbound travel from India growing at an unprecedented pace and the new visa rules, the service would facilitate new opportunities for both cultural exchange and economic collaboration.
The route also supports a burgeoning economic relationship between the two countries. According to the Embassy of India in Manila, bilateral trade nearly doubled over the last decade, reaching USD 3.53 billion in 2023-24. Furthermore, the flight schedule is designed to offer seamless one-stop connectivity for travelers flying from Europe to the Philippines via Air India’s Delhi hub.
The outbound flight from Delhi (AI2362) is scheduled to depart at 1:20 PM and arrive in Manila at 10:40 PM local time. The return flight from Manila (AI2361) will depart at 11:40 PM and arrive in Delhi at 3:50 AM the following day.
Reservations for the Delhi-Manila flights are now open across all channels, including the Air India website, mobile app, and authorized travel agents.
