Getting to the Philippines from India is about to get a little simpler. Philippine Airlines (PAL) is planning to restart direct flights between India and Manila from December 2026, with services from both Delhi and Mumbai.
The airline is planning three flights a week from Delhi and four from Mumbai, subject to approval from the Indian government. For Indian travellers, this means a direct route to Manila and easier onward connections to some of the Philippines' most popular islands and cities.
The move also marks PAL's return to India after 13 years. For Mumbai, it will be a new connection altogether, with the airline introducing the first nonstop service between Mumbai and Manila.
More Options From Delhi And Mumbai
The Delhi-Manila service is scheduled to operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight PR643 will depart Delhi at 8:15 am and arrive in Manila at 5 pm. The return flight, PR642, will depart Manila at 10:40 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, arriving in Delhi at 3 am the following day.
Mumbai will get four weekly flights. PR647 is scheduled to depart Mumbai at 7:15 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, arriving in Manila at 5 pm. The return PR646 will depart Manila at 10:40 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays and arrive in Mumbai at 3:05 am the next day.
The timings are local, and the schedules are subject to regulatory approval.
Both routes will use PAL's Airbus A321neo aircraft, which has 168 seats. There will be 12 lie-flat Business Class seats and 156 Economy Class seats.
The New Routes Are About More Than Manila
For travellers heading to the Philippines, Manila can be the first stop rather than the final one. PAL's domestic network from the capital connects to destinations including Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Cagayan de Oro. This gives Indian travellers the option to fly directly to Manila and then continue to other parts of the country, rather than arranging separate international connections.
The airline also has an extensive international network from Manila. Passengers can connect onwards to cities such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Honolulu. That could make the new flights useful for travellers planning a longer trip that combines the Philippines with another destination in Asia, Australia or North America.
What Flying With PAL Will Look Like
PAL says it is also planning services specifically for Indian passengers. In-flight meals will include Indian-inspired dishes as well as vegetarian and Jain options.
The airline will also offer its usual in-flight entertainment and beverage selection across the new services.
"We look forward to welcoming more Indian travellers aboard Philippine Airlines and introducing them to the Philippines through our signature Filipino hospitality," said Richard Nuttall, President, Philippine Airlines.
He added that the Manila hub would give Indian travellers access to the airline's wider network across Asia, North America, and Australia.
Give Manila A Few Days
If Manila has so far only been a transit point on your Philippines itinerary, the new flights could be a good reason to stay for a couple of days.
Intramuros is an obvious place to begin. The old walled district is home to Spanish-era buildings, churches, and Fort Santiago, and offers a different side of the city from its modern neighbourhoods.
For a slower afternoon, head to Rizal Park and the nearby National Museum complex. The park is one of Manila's best-known public spaces and is centred around the Rizal Monument.
Food is another reason to spend time in the city. Binondo, widely recognised as the world's oldest Chinatown, is a good place to explore Filipino-Chinese food and the busy streets around Ongpin.
Then there is Manila Bay. The waterfront, particularly around Roxas Boulevard, is known for its sunsets and makes for an easy end to a day of sightseeing.
Indians Can Visit The Philippines Visa-Free For 14 Days
Indian passport holders travelling to the Philippines for tourism or business can currently enter without a visa for stays of up to 14 days, subject to the country's entry requirements.
The stay is non-extendible and non-convertible. Travellers should check the latest requirements before departure, as entry rules can change.
When Will The Flights Begin?
PAL is targeting December 2026 for the launch of both routes, although the services still require approval from the Indian government.
Once operational, the flights will add another direct link between India and the Philippines at a time when the country continues to attract Indian holidaymakers looking beyond the more familiar Southeast Asian destinations.
For travellers, the biggest change is simple: Manila will no longer require a stopover in Delhi or Mumbai.
(With inputs from various sources)
FAQs
1. When will Philippine Airlines start direct flights from India to Manila?
Philippine Airlines is targeting December 2026 for the launch of its planned Delhi-Manila and Mumbai-Manila services. The flights remain subject to approval from the Indian government.
2. How many flights will Philippine Airlines operate from Delhi to Manila?
The airline plans to operate three weekly Delhi-Manila flights, scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
3. How many flights will Philippine Airlines operate from Mumbai to Manila?
Philippine Airlines plans four weekly Mumbai-Manila flights, scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
4. Will the new India-Manila flights be nonstop?
Yes. The planned services from both Delhi and Mumbai are scheduled as nonstop flights to Manila.
5. What aircraft will Philippine Airlines use on the new India-Manila routes?
The planned services will use Philippine Airlines' Airbus A321neo, configured with 168 seats, including 12 lie-flat Business Class seats and 156 Economy Class seats.
