In a move that is set to reshape travel and economic ties between India and the Philippines, Air India has launched its first-ever non-stop flights connecting Delhi and Manila. The new service, which commenced operations in October 2025, marks a significant milestone for both nations, offering unprecedented convenience for travelers and opening new doors for business, tourism, and cultural exchange. With this step, Air India becomes the only airline providing direct connectivity between India and the Philippines, addressing a long-standing gap in Southeast Asian aviation routes.
Prior to this development, passengers traveling between the two countries had to rely on connecting flights through other Southeast Asian hubs—a journey that often meant longer travel times, added costs, and the hassle of layovers. Now, with Air India’s direct service, the journey has become significantly more streamlined. According to Air India’s official schedule, flight AI2362 departs Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport at 1:20 PM IST, arriving at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 10:40 PM local time. The return flight, AI2361, leaves Manila at 11:40 PM and lands back in Delhi at 3:50 AM the following day. This schedule operates five times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays—providing plenty of flexibility for both leisure and business travelers.
The timing of this launch couldn’t be better. The Philippines recently introduced a visa-free policy for Indian nationals, allowing them to visit for up to 14 days without the need for a visa. This policy shift, reported by multiple sources including Outlook Traveller, is designed to boost short-stay tourism and facilitate easier travel for Indian visitors. Air India’s new direct route capitalizes on this opportunity, making it easier than ever for Indian tourists to explore the Philippines’ world-renowned beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage.
For travelers, the experience promises to be a comfortable one. Air India is deploying its Airbus A321LR aircraft on the Delhi-Manila route—a modern, fuel-efficient plane configured with three cabin classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. Notably, Business Class passengers can enjoy fully flat beds, a rare amenity on single-aisle aircraft. The airline has emphasized its commitment to delivering a premium travel experience, with advanced in-flight entertainment, enhanced catering, and attentive service. As the airline told Outlook Traveller, "Air India is among the few airlines in Southeast Asia to offer fully flat beds in Business Class on a single-aisle aircraft, underscoring its commitment to delivering a premium travel experience."
Return economy fares for the new route start from around INR 42,146, all-inclusive, for travel between October 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. Tickets are available through Air India’s official website, mobile app, travel agencies, and airport counters. With the new direct flights, Indian travelers now have easier access to the Philippines’ archipelago of more than 7,000 islands—famed for their stunning beaches and unique biodiversity.
Among the must-see destinations highlighted by Outlook Traveller are White Beach in Boracay, renowned for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters; Nacpan Beach near El Nido in Palawan, offering serene sunsets and a peaceful atmosphere away from tourist crowds; Alona Beach on Bohol’s Panglao Island, perfect for snorkeling and dolphin watching; Saud Beach in Pagudpud, an unspoiled paradise ideal for solitude seekers; and Kalanggaman Island in Leyte, famous for its postcard-perfect sandbar and breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. These beaches, each with their own charm, are now more accessible to Indian tourists than ever before.
The benefits of the new route extend far beyond tourism. The direct connection is expected to strengthen business and investment ties between India and the Philippines. As reported by Business Traveller, the launch of the route comes amid rising demand for both leisure and business travel between the two countries. The Philippines’ rapidly growing business process outsourcing sector, electronics industry, and tourism sector are well matched with India’s strengths in IT, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. The direct flights will reduce travel times for executives and business delegations, enabling more efficient collaboration and networking.
Moreover, the new Delhi-Manila route is strategically positioned to serve as a gateway for Filipino travelers to Air India’s extensive international network. With a single stop in Delhi, passengers from Manila can connect to destinations across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. This not only boosts travel convenience but also supports broader economic and cultural exchange. As Business Traveller noted, "The service provides Filipino travellers with convenient one-stop access to Air India’s wide-ranging network across Europe and North America via Delhi."
Air India’s expansion in Southeast Asia is part of a larger strategy to enhance its regional and international footprint. With Manila added to its roster, Air India now serves eight destinations in seven Southeast Asian countries. This growing network is designed to cater to the increasing demand for connectivity in the region, as economic and cultural ties between India and its neighbors deepen.
The launch of the Delhi-Manila direct flights comes at a time when both countries are seeking to enhance bilateral ties across multiple sectors. India and the Philippines are both members of regional trade agreements such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and improved air connectivity is expected to foster greater cooperation in trade, education, and cultural exchange. The direct flights are anticipated to facilitate people-to-people connections, making it easier for families, students, and professionals to visit each other’s countries.
For travelers considering a visit, the process has never been easier. Indian tourists can now enjoy visa-free entry to the Philippines for up to 14 days, provided they meet the entry requirements set by Philippine authorities. This, combined with the convenience of direct flights, is expected to drive a surge in tourism in both directions. Filipino travelers, too, can take advantage of seamless connections to India’s cultural and business hubs, as well as onward travel to Europe and North America.
In the broader context, Air India’s new route is more than just a flight—it’s a bridge between two vibrant nations. By making travel easier, faster, and more comfortable, the airline is helping to unlock new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. As both India and the Philippines look to the future, this direct connection stands as a symbol of growing partnership and shared aspirations.
With the inaugural flights now in the air and bookings open for the coming months, travelers on both sides have every reason to be excited. Whether it’s the lure of Boracay’s beaches, Manila’s bustling city life, or the promise of new business ventures, the Delhi-Manila non-stop service is poised to make a lasting impact on the region’s connectivity and cooperation.
