Kumusta Manila, Namaste Delhi: Direct flights from October 1

Manila: Big news for globetrotters and business flyers alike.

Starting October 1, 2025, Air India will kick off non-stop flights between Delhi (DEL) and Manila (MNL), making it the one and only carrier offering direct travel between India and the Philippines, local media here reported.

Whether you’re craving a beach holiday or sealing the next big business deal, this route is your new golden ticket.

Hello Manila, Namaste Delhi 

This exciting new route is part of Air India’s mission to spread its wings across Southeast Asia and strengthen its global presence.

And let’s be real — who wouldn’t want easier access to the Philippines’ picture-perfect beaches, buzzing cities, and rich cultural treasures?

With these new flights, Indian travellers can now skip the layovers and fly straight to paradise. 

And for Filipinos? Say hello to easier trips to India for trade, tourism, or just a good old-fashioned adventure.

Flight schedule – New jet set plan

Starting October 1, 2025:

Delhi to Manila – Flight AI2362

Manila to Delhi – Flight AI2361

That’s five chances a week to hop between the two capitals without a single stopover snack needed.

Your flight, your style

Air India’s brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft will be the ride of choice, decked out with three classy cabins — Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. 

So whether you're looking to stretch out  or budget your way to Boracay, there’s a seat with your name on it.

Visa-free & loving it

Here’s where it gets even better. Thanks to the Philippines' new visa-free policy for Indian tourists (up to 14 days), travel has never been easier. Dreaming of Palawan’s lush greenery?

Boracay’s sun-kissed shores? Cebu’s historic charm? No visa. No hassle. Just book, board, and beach.

Perfect for family trips, solo adventures, and group getaways, this route is set to unlock a treasure trove of tourism potential between the two countries.

Culture, commerce & connection

But it’s not just about vacations.

With this direct link, expect a whole lot more people-to-people exchange—think students, artists, scholars, and diplomats hopping borders to share ideas and stories. India and the Philippines share rich traditions, and now there’s a quicker, smoother way to explore those cultural connections.

And let’s not forget business. 

The Philippines is climbing the ranks as one of India’s key trade partners, with bilateral trade soaring to $3.53 billion in 2023-24, nearly double what it was in 2015-16. 

This new route opens the runway for more trade, smoother logistics, and stronger business bonds across industries like tech, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

With an expanding international network and smarter scheduling, Air India is giving passengers easy, flexible, and fast travel options—no matter where you’re coming from or going to. 

Delhi: A hub taking off

This new route helps boost Delhi’s profile as a global aviation super-hub. More international travelers are landing and launching from India’s capital, and Air India is fueling that momentum with its hub-and-spoke model, offering seamless global connections—now including Manila.

Whether you’re jetting in from Paris or heading to Sydney, Delhi’s got you covered.