Air India to Launch Non-Stop Delhi–Manila Flights from October 2025

Visa-Free Entry Unlocks New Travel Demand

The Philippines now allows Indian passport holders visa-free entry for up to 14 days, provided they meet certain conditions such as holding valid visas for the US, UK, Schengen, Japan, or Australia.

This game-changing move is expected to drive:

• Leisure tourism to islands like Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu

• Educational tours and student exchanges

• Corporate offsites and MICE traffic

• High-value Indian outbound spend

For B2B agents, this reduces friction and makes the Philippines easier to promote as part of Southeast Asia multi-country packages.

 One-Stop Connectivity from Europe via Delhi

With Delhi serving as a strategic international hub for Air India, this route enables single-stop connections from Europe to the Philippines. Cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Milan now have easier access to Manila via Delhi, boosting not just Indian but also global inbound connectivity.

These benefits:

• Consolidators handling intercontinental routing

• Travel agencies offering Europe + Asia itineraries

• Corporations seeking convenient travel for multi-region business meetings
  
  

 Why the Philippines Matters for Indian B2B Travel

Home to over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is now among the top emerging destinations for Indian travellers. Its combination of rich biodiversity, pristine beaches, historical sites, and affordable luxury makes it ideal for:

• Family travel and honeymoons

• Wellness retreats and diving tourism

• Luxury FIT and SME corporate bookings
  
  

Travel agents can now build custom tours, with Air India offering group-friendly inventory and seamless service for Indian clientele.

 Economic & Cultural Impacts: A Win for Both Nations

According to Air India CEO & MD Campbell Wilson, the launch is aligned with the airline’s commitment to expanding non-stop global connectivity. With India–Philippines trade volume reaching USD 3.53 billion in FY24, up from USD 1.89 billion in 2015–16, this route also supports:

• Trade delegations and B2B commerce

• Indian diaspora and business communities in Southeast Asia

• Cross-cultural engagement and soft diplomacy
  
  

 Booking Channels for B2B Agents

Air India has opened bookings via:

• Air India website and mobile app

• Airport ticketing offices

• Contact centres

• Authorised B2B travel agents and consolidators
  
  

This ensures full access for agents to manage bulk bookings, MICE travel, and customised itineraries.

 Final Takeaway for Travel Professionals

Air India’s non-stop Delhi–Manila service offers an unprecedented opportunity for Indian travel professionals, consolidators, and corporate planners to expand their Southeast Asia offerings. With visa-free entry, five weekly flights, and direct corporate relevance, this route is poised to drive substantial growth in the India–Philippines corridor.

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