Air India Launches First-Ever Non-Stop Flight Between India and the Philippines
New Delhi/Manila, October 2, 2025 — In a significant boost to regional connectivity and cultural exchange, Air India has officially launched its first non-stop flight connecting Delhi with Manila, the capital of the Philippines. This marks a historic milestone in India-Philippines relations, offering a direct air link between the two nations for the first time.
A New Gateway to Southeast Asia
Until now, travelers between India and the Philippines had to rely on connecting flights through Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Hong Kong, often extending total travel time to over 10–12 hours. With the new non-stop service, passengers can now fly between Delhi and Manila in just under 6 hours, saving both time and cost.
The inaugural flight, which took off from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on October 2, received a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila. The cabin crew greeted passengers in both Hindi and Tagalog, symbolizing the cultural bridge the flight aims to build.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The launch of this route comes at a time when India and the Philippines are witnessing growing cooperation across trade, education, and defense. Officials from both governments hailed the flight as a “game-changer” that will facilitate smoother people-to-people contact, business expansion, and tourism growth.
India’s Minister of Civil Aviation stated:
“This non-stop service by Air India will not only enhance connectivity but also deepen economic and cultural ties. The Philippines is a key partner in ASEAN, and we are excited to strengthen our engagement.”
Philippine Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista welcomed the development, saying:
“This is a moment of pride for both countries. Direct flights will encourage tourism, student exchanges, and business partnerships, creating a win-win scenario.”
Boost for Tourism and Trade
The Philippines is known for its pristine beaches, historical landmarks, and warm hospitality, making it an increasingly popular destination for Indian travelers. In recent years, the number of Indian tourists visiting the Philippines has steadily grown, but lack of direct connectivity was a major hurdle.
Similarly, the new route opens opportunities for Filipinos to explore India’s rich cultural and spiritual destinations. Experts believe that the service will also make travel easier for students and professionals, as both countries have seen rising educational and employment exchanges.
Trade analysts note that the direct link will help reduce logistics costs for industries such as IT services, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, thereby boosting bilateral trade volumes.
Air India’s Expansion Strategy
This new service is part of Air India’s larger expansion plan under the Tata Group, which aims to position the airline as a major global carrier. After recent non-stop launches to destinations like Los Angeles, Melbourne, and Nairobi, the Delhi-Manila service reflects Air India’s strategy to capture untapped markets.
According to airline officials, the route will initially operate four times a week, with the possibility of increasing frequency based on demand. The flights will use Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, known for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
Travelers Rejoice
Passengers onboard the inaugural flight expressed enthusiasm about the convenience. “This direct flight saves us hours of transit. As a student in Manila, I often had to take three flights to reach Delhi. This is a blessing,” said Priya Sharma, an Indian student.
Filipino businessman Carlos Rivera echoed this sentiment: “Our company has partnerships in India, and this flight makes business travel far more efficient. It’s going to boost opportunities on both sides.”
The launch of Air India’s first direct Delhi-Manila flight is more than just an aviation milestone. It represents a strengthening of ties between two vibrant Asian democracies and signals a future of deeper collaboration in culture, education, and commerce.
As Air India continues to expand its global footprint, this connection to the Philippines is expected to set the stage for greater integration of India with ASEAN markets, while offering passengers a faster, more convenient way to travel.