MANILA, 28 April 2025: Air India is expected to introduce direct flights to Manila from the Indian capital, Delhi, by the year’s end, according to a Philippines News Agency report quoting the Philippines Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
On the sidelines of a European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) luncheon meeting in Makati, the Tourism Secretary who heads the country’s Department of Tourism noted that the government considers India as a “huge potential source market for the Philippines.”
The Philippines News Agency quoted the DOT chief: “We are hopeful that the Air India flights will begin in the latter part of this year. We have had various coordination with Air India, our private sector, the Department of Transportation, CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines), and CAB (Civil Aeronautics Board.”
In February, CAAP met with Air India executives and discussed the application process for establishing direct air service between the two states.
PNA reported that CAAP would streamline the flight approval process while ensuring compliance with all applicable safety and operational standards.
About 79,000 Indian visitors travelled to the Philippines in 2024, more than 12% higher than the previous year but fewer than the numbers recorded by neighbouring Southeast Asian states.
According to the latest Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) data, more than 4.2 million Indians travelled to the region in 2024 alone. However, there are no direct flights from any major city in India to destinations in the Philippines. The most convenient route involves travellers flying Air India to Singapore to connect with Philippine Airlines flights to Manila.
Once Air India starts direct flights from Delhi, the Philippines can boost tourism from India, one of the largest source markets generating tourist visits to Southeast Asia. Air France and Air Canada recently introduced direct flights from Paris and Vancouver to Manila.
Based on the information and recent media reports, there are strong indicators that Air India will commence flights between Delhi (DEL) and Manila (MNL) later this year, even though the company has not commented on its expansion plans.
Several reliable sources state that Air India plans to launch flights to Manila from Delhi, often mentioned alongside other plans to expand routes to Jakarta, Dallas, and Los Angeles.
Earlier this year, reports suggested that the Manila and Jakarta routes are targeted for initiation by the fourth quarter of 2025. The launch of these new routes depends on aircraft availability as Air India expands its fleet.
Currently, there are no direct flights between India and the Philippines. Air India’s entry into this route would bridge this gap, catering to the increasing demand for travel between the two countries for tourism, business, and education (especially for Indian students pursuing medical education in the Philippines).
Given their suitability for medium-haul international flights, the Boeing 787 Dreamliners are identified as likely aircraft for the Manila route.
(Source: PNA and reports on Air India expansion plans)
