Courtesy of Philippine Airlines, travel between India and the Philippines is set to become easier later this year. Philippine Airlines plans to launch nonstop service from Delhi and Mumbai to Manila in December 2026, giving travelers from both cities a direct connection to the Philippine capital. The launch is subject to Indian government approval. These new direct flights will also mark Philippine Airlines’ return to India after 13 years. Delhi will receive three flights a week, while Mumbai will have four weekly services, with Manila serving as a gateway for travelers continuing to other destinations across the Philippines.
When Will Philippine Airlines Start Delhi-to-Manila Flights?
The Delhi-to-Manila direct flight will operate three times a week. Flight PR643 is scheduled to depart Delhi on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 8:15 AM and arrive in Manila at 5 PM local time. The return flight, PR642, will leave Manila every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:40 PM. It is scheduled to arrive in Delhi at 3 AM the following day.
When Will Philippine Airlines Start Mumbai-to-Manila Flights?
Travelers from Mumbai will have four weekly flights. The Mumbai-to-Manila direct flight, PR647, is scheduled to operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. It will depart from Mumbai at 7:15 AM and arrive in Manila at 5 PM local time. PR646 will operate in the opposite direction every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, departing Manila at 10:40 PM and arriving in Mumbai at 3:05 AM the following day.
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Which Aircraft Will Philippine Airlines Use On The India Routes?
Philippine Airlines plans to operate both routes with a 168-seat Airbus A321neo. The aircraft will have 12 lie-flat Business Class seats and 156 Economy Class seats. Beyond travelers whose final destination is Manila, the new services are useful for connections through the Manila hub. Passengers can connect to Philippine destinations including Cebu, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Davao. Connections are also available to international cities including Los Angeles, Vancouver, Honolulu, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Tokyo Haneda, and Hong Kong.
What Can Indian Travelers See In Manila?
Travelers on the new India-to-Manila flights can also spend some time exploring the capital before continuing elsewhere in the Philippines. Intramuros is a good starting point, with its cobbled streets and Spanish-era architecture alongside attractions such as Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila. Rizal Park can be combined with the nearby National Museum complex, while Binondo is known for its Filipino-Chinese heritage and food streets. For a slower evening, Manila Bay and the Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard are popular for sunset views.
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Do Indians Need A Visa For The Philippines?
Indian passport holders traveling for tourism or business can currently enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days, provided they meet the prescribed entry requirements. According to the information provided, this 14-day stay is non-extendable and non-convertible. Travelers should check the applicable entry conditions before departure, particularly if their trip will last longer than 14 days, and confirm booking plans accordingly.
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Summing Up
The planned Philippine Airlines Delhi-Manila and Mumbai-Manila services will provide travelers from two major Indian cities with nonstop access to the Philippines starting December 2026, subject to government approval. With three weekly flights from Delhi and four from Mumbai, these routes also make Manila a more convenient connecting point for destinations such as Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.
For travelers planning a trip to the Philippines from India, these services eliminate the need for an international connection before reaching Manila and offer another option for exploring the country beyond the capital.
