Indian travellers may soon get more flight options to the Philippines as IndiGo and Philippine Airlines plan to start new services. Air India is also increasing flights capacity on the Delhi Manila route.
Air India will use a larger 256-seat Boeing 787 aircraft on the Delhi Manila route from October 25. The airline currently operates the route daily with a 188-seat Airbus A321.
The increase in flights comes as travel and trade between India and the Philippines continue to grow.
More than 60,000 Indians visited the Philippines in the first six months of 2026. Indian arrivals increased 43% compared with the same period last year, helped by visa-free entry for Indian travellers.
India and the Philippines upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership in 2025. Both countries are also working to increase cooperation in digital technology, defence, trade and investment.
Philippine Airlines and IndiGo Plan New Flights
Philippine Airlines plans to start flights to Delhi and Mumbai during the winter schedule.
IndiGo has also applied for approval to launch flights to the Philippines. Reports suggest the airline is planning services to Manila and Cebu, a popular tourist destination known for scuba diving.
Travel companies are seeing more interest in holidays to the Philippines.
Neeraj Singh Dev of Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel said demand is rising because of visa-free travel and improving air connectivity. He said more flights from Indian cities to Manila and Cebu could encourage more Indians to explore the Philippines.
Air India Adds More Seats
Air India started its Delhi Manila service with five flights a week in October last year and later increased it to daily flights.
The route is currently operated with an Airbus A321. From October 25, the airline will introduce a 256-seat Boeing 787 with two classes.
Aviation analyst Ameya Joshi, founder of Network Thoughts, said passenger numbers have increased every quarter since the route started.
He said the Manila Delhi route has recorded load factors in the low 80% range on two occasions.
Demand is mainly coming from leisure travellers and people visiting friends and relatives. The larger Boeing 787 will allow Air India to carry more passengers and meet growing demand.
With IndiGo and Philippine Airlines planning new services and Air India adding more seats, air connectivity between India and the Philippines is expected to grow in the coming months.
