Direct flights between Manila and Delhi starting Oct. 1 this year has been announced by Air India, India’s leading global online, in a bid to boost the tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
(Photo courtesy of Air India)
The announcement made on Wednesday, June 4, via Air India’s website was welcomed by the Indian Embassy in Manila.
“The direct flight would provide strong impetus to tourism, business, and people to people contacts between the two countries,” the embassy wrote on its X (formerly Twitter) page.
According to a statement from Air India, the Delhi-Manila and Manila-Delhi flights will run five days a week—Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday—on Air India’s A321neo jets, which features a three-class cabin configuration that offers the choice of Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class to travelers.
“With the launch of this new route, Air India becomes the only carrier to operate non-stop flights between India and the Philippines, offering seamless connectivity through its Delhi hub and boosting tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two countries,” the embassy said.
This comes as the Philippines recently introduced its visa-free entry for Indian tourists for up to 15 days, which the statement said would enhance accessibility for Indians “eager to visit the white-sand beaches of Boracay, the stunning landscapes of Palawan, the historical landmarks in Cebu, and more.”
“The introduction of our Delhi-Manila route is a 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,” Campbell Wilson, Air India’s chief executive officer and managing director, said.
“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,” he added.
Citing the Philippines 7,000-plus islands, Air India looks forward to the “great tourism potential” the country holds for Indian tourists.
Bookings for Air India’s flights between Delhi and Manila can be accessed on Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centers, and through affiliated travel agencies.