Delhi–Manila Direct Flights Start October 1
Air India will begin direct non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila starting October 1, 2025. This marks a major step in connecting India and the Philippines, reviving a route that has been inactive for over a decade.
Flight Schedule and Aircraft Details
The airline will operate five flights per week on this route—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The service will use the Airbus A321neo, offering a three-class configuration that includes Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy seating.
Visa-Free Entry Enhances Travel
The launch of this new route comes shortly after the Philippines introduced visa-free entry for Indian travelers. Indian passport holders can now visit the Philippines for up to 14 days without a visa. In return, India is offering free e-visas to travelers from the Philippines, making travel between the two countries smoother and more accessible.
Trade and Tourism Benefits
Officials believe the new flight will strengthen both tourism and trade relations. India and the Philippines saw their bilateral trade rise to USD 3.53 billion in the 2023–24 fiscal year, nearly doubling from 2015–16. The flight is also expected to provide easier connectivity from Europe to Southeast Asia via Delhi, encouraging more international travel through India.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
This direct connection highlights the deepening partnership between India and the Philippines, especially as both nations engage more closely on regional cooperation, business, and cultural exchanges. Travel experts expect a boost in tourist traffic, student mobility, and commercial engagements following the new route.
