Digital News Guru National Desk:
India-Philippines Connectivity Improved: Air India’s Delhi-Manila Non-Stop
On October 1, 2025, Air India officially inaugurated its first-ever non-stop flight between Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport, DEL) and Manila (MNL), the capital of the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in aviation ties between the two countries. This move not only expands Air India’s international network, but also strengthens tourism, trade, and people-to-people links between India and the Philippines.
What the Route Looks Like
- Frequency: The new route will be operated five times a week — on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Aircraft & Classes: Air India is using its Airbus A321neo aircraft for this service, offering a three-class cabin configuration: Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy.
- Schedule:
- Flight AI2362 (Delhi → Manila) departs Delhi at 13:20 local time and lands in Manila at 22:40 the same day.
- The return flight AI2361 (Manila → Delhi) leaves Manila at 23:40 and arrives in Delhi at 03:50 the next day.
Why This Matters
Boost to Tourism & Travel
The Philippines has recently introduced a visa-free entry policy for Indian tourists for up to 14 days, which aligns very well with this new direct flight route. This means travellers from India can more easily visit destinations like Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, and other popular islands and tourist spots, without having to navigate complicated visa formalities.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Beyond tourism, the move has diplomatic and economic importance. It comes amid broader efforts to deepen India-Philippines relations, including eased travel restrictions and reciprocal initiatives. The trade between the two nations has also seen growth — bilateral trade was about USD 3.53 billion in 2023-24, almost double what it was in 2015-16.
Enhanced Connectivity
This service positions Air India as the only carrier offering non-stop flights between India and the Philippines. Travelers from other parts of the world can also benefit: those coming via Europe or other destinations can connect to Manila via Delhi more conveniently, leveraging Air India’s hub.
The Passenger Experience & Practicals
- Booking: Tickets are now available via all channels — Air India’s website, mobile app, ticketing offices, and via travel agents.
- On-Board Amenities: With three classes onboard, passengers have choices depending on comfort preferences and budget. Business Class passengers will likely enjoy more premium seating and services, while Economy and Premium Economy provide different levels of comfort.
- Travel Time: The flight from Delhi to Manila takes about 6 hours 50 minutes based on the schedule.
Challenges & Considerations
While this new route is promising, there are some factors to keep in mind:
- Early-morning arrivals: The return flight from Manila arrives in Delhi in the early hours (3:50 AM). Passengers will need to plan for transport, accommodations, or onward connections accordingly.
- Visa & Entry Requirements: Although visa-free access for 14 days for Indian tourists simplifies travel, there remain certain stipulations such as passport validity, proof of onward or return ticket, accommodation bookings, etc.
- Load & Demand: New routes often take time to fill, especially those that are non-stop and cross cultural or geographic boundaries. The success will depend on promotion, pricing, traveler awareness, and seasonal demand.
What This Means Going Forward
Air India’s launch of the Delhi-Manila non-stop service is more than just a new route on the map — it reflects several larger trends:
- Growing Indian outbound travel: Indians are traveling more internationally, driving demand for direct routes. Airlines are responding by increasing connectivity to Southeast Asia and other destinations.
- Visa policy liberalization: Many countries, including the Philippines, are relaxing visa rules to attract more tourists. This route benefits from such policies.
- Air India’s network expansion under new strategy: The airline has been pushing to increase its global reach and reduce dependency on indirect routes. Non-stop routes like Delhi-Manila help strengthen its position.
Conclusion
The launch of non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila by Air India from October 1, 2025, is a landmark development. It signals not only the closer integration of India and the Philippines in terms of travel and tourism but also a maturing of direct air connectivity in the region. For travellers, the benefit is clear: fewer connectings, simpler visa rules, and more options to explore. For both nations, it opens doors to economic, cultural, and diplomatic opportunities. As this route settles in, its true impact will depend on demand, service quality, and how well it is leveraged by stakeholders in tourism, trade, and bilateral relations.
You May Also Read: Delhi IGI Airport Introduces Digital E-Arrival Card for Foreign Travellers
