Air India Launches Direct Delhi-Manila Flights Starting October 2025

Key Takeaways

• Air India launches direct Delhi-Manila flights five times weekly starting October 1, 2025.
• Philippines offers 14-day visa-free entry to Indian tourists meeting specific requirements.
• Flights use Airbus A321neo; fares start at INR 39,999 round-trip, boosting travel and trade.

Air India to Launch Direct Delhi-Manila Flights: What Indian Travelers Need to Know About Visa-Free Entry

On June 4, 2025, Air India announced a major development for travelers between India and the Philippines 🇵🇭: the launch of direct, non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, starting October 1, 2025. This move comes at a time when The Philippines 🇵🇭 has introduced a new visa-free entry policy for Indian tourists, allowing stays of up to 14 days. The combination of direct flights and relaxed entry rules is set to transform travel, tourism, and business ties between the two countries.

This article explains what these changes mean, how to take advantage of the new Air India Delhi-Manila flights, the details of the visa-free entry policy, and what it all means for travelers, businesses, and the tourism sector.

Air India’s New Delhi-Manila Flights: The Essentials

Who is affected?
Indian travelers, business people, tourists, and anyone interested in visiting the Philippines 🇵🇭 from India.

What’s new?
Air India will operate direct, non-stop flights between Delhi (DEL) and Manila (MNL), five times a week, starting October 1, 2025.

Where and when?
Flights will run between Delhi and Manila, with the first service taking off on October 1, 2025.

Why does it matter?
Until now, there were no direct flights between India and the Philippines 🇵🇭. Travelers had to make time-consuming connections in other Asian cities. The new flights, combined with visa-free entry, make travel much easier and faster.

How will it work?
Travelers can book tickets on Air India’s website, app, or through travel agents. Indian tourists can now enter the Philippines 🇵🇭 without a visa for up to 14 days, provided they meet certain requirements.

Let’s break down the details and what they mean for you.

Flight Schedule and Booking Details

Air India’s new Delhi-Manila flights will use the modern Airbus A321neo, offering three classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. The flights will operate five times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Flight Schedule (from October 1, 2025):

Booking Process:

• Visit Air India’s official website, use the mobile app, or contact a travel agent.
• Select the Delhi-Manila route, choose your travel dates (from October 1, 2025), and pick your preferred cabin class.
• Complete payment and receive your e-ticket confirmation.

Fares:
Return fares start at INR 39,999 (all-inclusive), making it an affordable option for both leisure and business travelers.

Visa-Free Entry for Indian Tourists: What You Need to Know

The Philippines 🇵🇭 has introduced a new visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals, making travel easier than ever. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Points:

• Visa-free entry for Indian tourists is valid for stays up to 14 days.
• Requirements:
  • A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
  • A confirmed return or onward ticket.
  • Proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
• Purpose: Tourism, short business trips, and visiting friends or relatives.

How to Use Visa-Free Entry:

1. Prepare your documents:
   • Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
   • Book your return or onward ticket.
   • Prepare evidence of funds (such as a bank statement or credit card).
2. Arrive in Manila:
   • Present your documents to Philippine immigration officers.
   • If you meet the requirements, you’ll be granted visa-free entry for up to 14 days.

Important:
If you plan to stay longer than 14 days, or for reasons other than tourism or short business, you’ll need to apply for a visa in advance. For official information on entry requirements, visit the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.

Why This Matters: Impacts on Travelers, Tourism, and Business

For Indian Travelers

• Direct, non-stop access: No more layovers in Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Hong Kong. Travel time is shorter and the journey is more comfortable.
• Visa-free entry: Spontaneous trips and short visits are now possible without the hassle of applying for a visa.
• More travel options: Whether you’re traveling for leisure, business, or to visit friends and family, the process is now much simpler.

For the Philippines 🇵🇭

• Tourism boost: The country expects a surge in Indian tourist arrivals, supporting its tourism industry and related businesses.
• Business opportunities: Easier travel means more business exchanges, trade missions, and investment opportunities.
• Stronger ties: The move is part of a broader effort to build closer relations with India 🇮🇳.

For Air India

• Expanding network: Air India becomes the only airline offering direct flights between India and the Philippines 🇵🇭, strengthening its international presence.
• Supporting government policy: The new route supports India’s “Look East” policy, which aims to build stronger connections with Southeast Asia.
• Serving demand: With Indian outbound travel growing rapidly, Air India is well-positioned to serve one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets.

What Experts and Stakeholders Are Saying

Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, said:
“The introduction of our Delhi-Manila route is yet another step in our mission to connect India with more of the world, non-stop. As outbound travel from India grows at an unprecedented pace, with Indian tourists ranking among the highest spenders globally, the new entry rules for Indian tourists are a shot in the arm to boost tourism to the Philippines. We are happy to facilitate new opportunities for cultural exchange and economic collaboration between the two nations, while bringing the new Air India to more travellers around the world.”

Aviation analysts point out that this route fills a long-standing gap in direct connectivity, which has forced travelers to rely on time-consuming connections in other Asian cities.

Tourism experts expect a big increase in Indian visitors to popular Philippine destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu, thanks to the new ease of access and visa-free policy.

Trade experts highlight that better air links will help business exchanges, joint ventures, and investments, building on the growing trade volume between the two countries. In 2023-24, trade between India and the Philippines 🇵🇭 reached USD 3.53 billion, nearly double the amount from 2015-16.

Step-by-Step Guide: Booking and Traveling on Air India Delhi-Manila Flights

1. Booking Your Flight

• Go to Air India’s official website, use the mobile app, or visit a travel agent.
• Choose the Delhi-Manila route, select your travel dates, and pick your cabin class (Business, Premium Economy, or Economy).
• Pay for your ticket and receive your e-ticket confirmation.

2. Preparing for Visa-Free Entry

• Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
• Book your return or onward ticket.
• Prepare proof of funds (such as a bank statement or credit card).
• Print or save all your travel documents.

3. At the Airport and Arrival in Manila

• Arrive at Delhi airport at least 3 hours before your flight.
• Check in, go through security, and board your Air India flight.
• Upon arrival in Manila, present your documents to immigration officers.
• If you meet the requirements, you’ll be granted visa-free entry for up to 14 days.

4. Enjoy Your Stay

• Explore the Philippines 🇵🇭, whether for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family.
• Make sure to leave the country before your 14-day visa-free period ends, or apply for an extension if eligible.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

Before this announcement, there were no direct flights between India and the Philippines 🇵🇭. Travelers had to connect through other Asian cities, adding hours to their journey and making travel less convenient.

The Philippines 🇵🇭 has been working to attract more tourists from India and other countries by making entry easier. The new visa-free policy for Indian tourists is part of this effort. Air India’s expansion is also part of a larger plan by the Tata Group to modernize and grow the airline after its privatization.

What Does the Future Hold?

If demand is strong, Air India may increase the frequency of flights or add new routes from other Indian cities. Other Indian airlines might also consider launching their own flights to the Philippines 🇵🇭.

The Philippines 🇵🇭 may further relax its visa policies or extend the length of visa-free stays if the current policy proves successful. Both countries are expected to work more closely together in tourism, education, and business as a result of these changes.

Multiple Perspectives: Who Benefits?

• Indian travelers: Save time and money with direct flights and visa-free entry.
• Philippine tourism sector: Expects more hotel bookings, tour packages, and economic activity.
• Business community: Gains easier access for trade missions, conferences, and partnerships.
• Competing airlines: May need to introduce new routes or improve services to keep up.

Summary Table: Air India Delhi–Manila Direct Flights

Official Resources and Contact Information

• Air India Official Website: www.airindia.com
• Booking and Customer Support:
  Delhi-Manila Special Fare
• Philippine Embassy in India:
  www.newdelhipe.dfa.gov.ph
• Indian Embassy in Manila:
  www.eoimanila.gov.in
• Philippine Bureau of Immigration (official entry requirements):
  https://immigration.gov.ph/

Practical Takeaways and Next Steps

• Book early: With fares starting at INR 39,999 and only five flights a week, seats may fill up quickly.
• Check your documents: Make sure your passport is valid and you have all the required paperwork for visa-free entry.
• Plan your trip: Whether for tourism or business, take advantage of the new direct flights and relaxed entry rules.
• Stay informed: Policies can change, so always check the latest information from official sources before you travel.

Conclusion

The launch of Air India’s direct Delhi-Manila flights, together with the Philippines’ new visa-free entry for Indian tourists, marks a turning point in India-Philippines 🇵🇭 relations. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, making travel between the two countries easier and more attractive than ever before. Whether you’re planning a holiday, a business trip, or a visit to friends and family, now is the perfect time to explore the Philippines 🇵🇭 with the convenience of direct flights and simplified entry.

For the most up-to-date information on travel and immigration policies, always refer to official government sources, such as the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. Safe travels!

Learn Today

Visa-free entry → Permission to enter a country without requiring a visa for a limited time period.
Airbus A321neo → A modern, fuel-efficient aircraft used by Air India for the Delhi-Manila direct flights.
Return ticket → A confirmed flight ticket for traveling back to the departure country after the visit.
Immigration officers → Officials responsible for checking travelers’ documents and granting entry into a country.
Look East policy → An Indian government strategy to improve economic and diplomatic ties with East Asian countries.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting October 1, 2025, Air India’s direct Delhi-Manila flights and Philippines’ 14-day visa-free entry simplify travel. This new route eliminates layovers and supports tourism, business, and cultural ties, offering Indian travelers faster, convenient access to the Philippines through affordable fares and relaxed entry policies.
— By VisaVerge.com