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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider IndiGo explores Manila-Cebu routes as DOT pursues air talks in India

IndiGo explores Manila-Cebu routes as DOT pursues air talks in India

Published Aug 8, 2025 01:30 pm

At A Glance

  • IndiGo is exploring direct flights to Manila and Cebu.
  • DOT held expansion talks with IndiGo in New Delhi.
  • Meeting took place during President Marcos' state visit to India.
  • Air India set to begin New Delhi–Manila flights on Oct. 1.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco meets with IndiGo executives in New Delhi on August 6 to discuss potential direct flights to Manila and Cebu, held on the sidelines of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India. (Photo courtesy of DOT)
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco meets with IndiGo executives in New Delhi on August 6 to discuss potential direct flights to Manila and Cebu, held on the sidelines of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India. (Photo courtesy of DOT)
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is exploring direct flights to Manila and Cebu following high-level discussions with the Department of Tourism (DOT) during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, who accompanied the President and sits as a member of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), met with IndiGo Senior Vice President Vinay Malhotra on August 6 to push for the inclusion of Philippine gateways in the airline’s expanding international network.
Malhotra said the Philippines is “definitely on our radar,” citing IndiGo’s growing interest in new Asian destinations, supported by long-haul aircraft and an aggressive expansion strategy.
Frasco welcomed the interest, reaffirming the Marcos administration’s commitment to enhancing regional air connectivity and positioning the Philippines as a preferred destination for Indian travelers.
“No less than our President, by way of these structural changes that he is making to make the climate for travel from India to the Philippines truly flourish, has communicated the government’s desire to expand connectivity,” Frasco said.
Frasco offered full support from the DOT, including coordination on partnerships and joint marketing efforts to strengthen the country’s presence in the Indian travel market.
The DOT also welcomed India’s recent decision to grant free e-visas to Filipino travelers, following the Philippines’ earlier move to waive visa requirements for Indian nationals to encourage two-way tourism.
India has been identified as a key source market for Philippine tourism, with Air India scheduled to launch five-times-a-week direct flights from New Delhi to Manila starting October 1, 2025.

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IndiGo Airlines DOT India state visit Manila-Cebu routes direct flights
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