Air India, the country’s flagship carrier, announced it will commence non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila beginning 01 October 2025. The new route marks a significant milestone, making Air India the only airline to offer direct service between India and the Philippines, a move expected to strengthen bilateral ties through tourism, business, and cultural exchanges.
The airline will operate five flights a week — every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday — using its modern Airbus A321neo aircraft. The aircraft is configured in three classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy, catering to various travel needs and preferences.
The launch comes at an opportune time following the Philippines’ recent decision to allow Indian tourists visa-free entry for up to 14 days. This policy is anticipated to significantly boost inbound travel, as Indian tourists, known for their growing outbound travel and high spending power, explore popular destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu.
“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. As outbound travel from India grows at an unprecedented pace, with Indian tourists ranking among the highest spenders globally, the new entry rules for Indian tourists are a shot in the arm to boost tourism to the Philippines. We are happy to facilitate new opportunities for cultural exchange and economic collaboration between the two nations, while bringing the new Air India to more travellers around the world,” according to Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.
Beyond tourism, the route is expected to bolster economic collaboration. Bilateral trade between India and the Philippines reached US$3.53 billion in 2023–2024, nearly doubling since 2015–2016. The direct air link is poised to further support this growth.
In addition, Air India’s Delhi hub provides seamless one-stop connections for travelers from Europe heading to Manila, positioning the airline as a competitive choice for long-haul journeys across the region.
Tickets for the new route are now available for booking via Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticket offices, customer service centers, and authorized travel agents worldwide.
| SCHEDULE OF FLIGHTS BETWEEN DELHI & MANILA (Effective 01 October 2025) | ||||
| Flight # | Sector | Departure | Arrival | Days of Operations |
| AI2362 | Delhi (DEL) – Manila (MNL) | 1320H | 2240H | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, & Sunday |
| AI2361 | Manila (MNL) -Delhi (DEL) | 2340H | 0350H +1 | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, & Sunday |
| All times are indicated in local time zones. +1 indicates next day arrival. | ||||