Air India’s Bold New Route: Direct Delhi-Manila Flights to Revolutionize Travel in 2025

Why Air India’s New Direct Delhi-Manila Route Is the Game-Changer Indian Travelers Have Been Waiting For

Air India launches Delhi-Manila direct flights in 2025, unlocking tourism, trade, and simplified visa-free travel for Indian tourists to the Philippines.

Quick Facts

Launch Date: October 1, 2025
Weekly Flights: 5 (Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun)
Trade Growth: India-Philippines trade hit USD 3.53 billion in 2023-24
Visa-Free Entry: Up to 14 days for Indian tourists to the Philippines

A new chapter in Indo-Philippine relations is about to take flight—literally. Air India, part of the esteemed Tata Group, has announced the debut of its non-stop flights between Delhi (DEL) and Manila (MNL), setting a new standard for travel, business, and tourism between two dynamic Asian nations from October 1, 2025.

With Air India’s strategic move, travelers can bid farewell to exhausting layovers. The airline’s Airbus A321neo, outfitted with Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins, promises comfort and flexibility for all. This move makes Air India the sole player directly linking India and the Philippines, transforming Delhi into a pivotal hub in Asia.

Q&A: What Makes This Route a Milestone?

Q: Why is Delhi-Manila such a big deal?
Air India’s direct service closes a crucial gap in Asian connectivity—no other airline flies non-stop between India and the Philippines. This not only shortens journeys but also strengthens business, education, and cultural exchanges, especially as the Philippines opens its doors visa-free to Indian tourists for up to 14 days.

Q: How often will these flights operate?
The flights run five days a week—Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday—ensuring flexibility for both business travelers and vacationers.

How Will Indian Travelers Benefit?

The removal of visa barriers and enhanced accessibility invites Indian travelers to explore more than 7,000 picturesque Philippine islands. Dreaming of sinking your toes in the powdery sands of Boracay, trekking in Palawan, or soaking up the history in Cebu? These destinations are now just a direct flight away.

Indian tourists, already recognized worldwide for their high spending, are expected to flock to the Philippines. The timing of the route coincides perfectly with booming outbound travel from India as the country’s growing middle class craves fresh international experiences.

Q&A: What About Trade and Business?

Q: How does this route impact economic ties?
According to the Embassy of India in Manila, bilateral trade nearly doubled in the past decade, from USD 1.89 billion in 2015-16 to USD 3.53 billion in 2023-24. The direct route will further accelerate business deals, corporate delegations, and partnership opportunities across industries.

How to Book the New Delhi-Manila Service

Booking is wide open! Secure your seat on Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticket offices, contact centers, or through your travel agent as demand for this high-profile connection soars.

How Does the New Delhi Hub Strengthen Global Access?

Delhi is more than a departure point—it’s transforming into a critical Asian aviation gateway. Thanks to Air India’s hub-and-spoke model, these new direct flights will also attract European travelers seeking efficient onward connections to Southeast Asia, opening broad new markets for the airline. For more on international travel trends, visit IATA.