Philippines' Visa-Free For Indians Move Gets Sweeter, Air India Launches Direct Delhi to Manila Flights Starting October 2025

Air India To Operate Direct India-Manila Flights Starting October 2025

As per reports, Air India will be the only airline carrier to provide non-stop flights from India to Manila operating five times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays via the airline’s Airbus A321neo aircraft. Travellers will be able to board the Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Cabins.

According to reports, the Delhi-Manila flight will leave at 1:20 PM and arrive in Manila by 10:40 PM. The return flight will depart from Manila at 11:40 PM and reach Delhi at 3:50 AM the next day.

“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... the new entry rules for Indian tourists are a shot in the arm to boost tourism to the Philippines,” said Campbell Wilson, Air India’s CEO and managing director.

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Philippines Is Now A Visa-Free Country For Indian Tourists

In May 2025, the Philippines rolled out visa-free access for Indian passport holders.

• Indian tourists can enter visa-free for up to 14 days through regular means, but the stay cannot be extended.
• Indian citizens with valid visas or residence permits for the U.S., U.K., Canada, Schengen countries, Australia, Japan, or Singapore can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head – holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook (India) applauds this announcement as a ‘strategic move’, which will rapidly boost India’s growing outbound market. “As a fresh and emerging hotspot in the short to mid-haul Southeast Asian corridor, the Philippines represents an attractive product and price proposition for Indian travellers,” Kale said.

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“The plan is to woo quality travellers who respect sustainability efforts and benefit the country through high tourism spending and repeat visits,” said Christina Garcia Frasco, Tourism Secretary of the Republic of the Philippines, while speaking at the Skift Asia Forum last month.

Credits: Freepik

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