Air India is set to launch non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila on October 1, 2025, marking the first direct air connection between India and the Philippines in over a decade. This move comes in response to a surge in Indian outbound travel, particularly to Southeast Asia. The direct flights aim to ease connectivity, which previously required layovers in hubs like Bangkok and Singapore.

The new service will operate five times a week – Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays – utilizing an Airbus A321neo aircraft with a three-class cabin configuration, offering Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class options.

The Philippines has recently waived visas for Indian tourists visiting for up to 14 days, making it an increasingly popular destination known for its beaches and islands. Tourist arrivals from India grew by 12.4% in 2024 to nearly 79,000, a 53% increase from 2022 levels. Air India's direct flights are expected to further boost these numbers, opening up the archipelago to more Indian tourists.

Air India's new route also supports India's expanding presence in regional aviation markets, where Indian carriers are capitalizing on increasing demand for leisure travel. Beyond leisure travel, Air India is targeting transfer passengers from Europe to the Philippines via its Delhi hub, positioning the new route as part of a broader international strategy. Southeast Asia–Europe and Southeast Asia–West Asia corridors hold vast potential for transfer traffic, a space where Indian airlines are increasingly competing.

According to the Embassy of India in Manila, the new route supports expanding bilateral trade relationships between India and the Philippines, which reached USD 3.53 billion in 2023-24, nearly double the USD 1.89 billion recorded in 2015-16.

Bookings for Air India’s Delhi-Manila flights are available across all distribution channels, including the airline’s website, mobile application, airport ticketing offices, contact centers, and through travel agents. Exclusive launch offers, including discounts for Maharaja Club members and group bookings, are available for travel between October 2025 and March 2026.

Air India's Delhi-Manila service not only provides non-stop connectivity from India but also seamless, one-stop connectivity from Europe via Delhi. Other expansions for Air India in the summer of 2025 include increased flight frequencies on routes such as Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, Delhi-Zurich, Delhi-Vienna, and Delhi-Seoul (Incheon).

An Air India spokesperson stated that the launch of Delhi–Manila flights is another milestone in their mission to connect India to the world. With non-stop flights and easier visa access, Air India's new service is set to make Philippines travel more accessible for Indian flyers, while strengthening India's role in global aviation.