Philippines-India Direct Flights: A Game-Changer for Tourists and Businesses

Travelling between the Philippines and India is about to get easier! After years of relying on connecting flights, Indian and Filipino travellers may soon enjoy non-stop flights between the two countries, making business, tourism, and cultural exchanges more convenient than ever.

Taj Mahal, India | Xantana via Getty Images Pro

Also read: 5 Breathtaking India Attractions That Will Remind You of Europe

A new era for Philippines-India travel

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For years, the lack of direct flights has posed a challenge for travellers and businesses alike. However, change is on the horizon as the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) actively engages with Air India to establish this long-awaited air link. Discussions have centred on flight approvals, route planning, and technical requirements to ensure seamless operations once services take off.

Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain has also hinted at an imminent launch, suggesting that flights could begin within the next few months. This development is set to significantly enhance tourism, trade, and people-to-people connections between the two nations.

Airlines being considered

While Air India is leading the discussions, another major airline, IndiGo, is also being considered for the route. The entry of multiple carriers could mean competitive fares and better connectivity, giving Filipino and Indian travellers more options for their journeys.

Philippine government’s push for more Indian Tourists

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The introduction of direct flights aligns with the Philippines' revamped tourism strategy, particularly in attracting Indian outbound travellers. With a decline in Chinese tourist arrivals, the country is setting its sights on India—one of the world’s fastest-growing sources of international tourists.

A key initiative supporting this push is the launch of an e-visa system for Indian nationals, streamlining travel to the Philippines and making it more accessible. Additionally, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is crafting an India-specific tourism action plan tailored to the preferences and interests of Indian travellers, ensuring a more personalised and appealing experience.

Growing Indian tourism in the Philippines

In 2024, around 79,000 Indian tourists visited the Philippines, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. While this growth is encouraging, it remains lower than the number of Indian tourists visiting neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. With direct flights, tourism officials hope to attract more Indian visitors, offering them a seamless travel experience without long layovers.

Not just Manila—More destinations in sight

While the first direct flights are expected to operate between Manila and New Delhi, the DOT is advocating for more routes, including flights to Cebu and Clark. This expansion would allow Indian travellers to explore the country beyond the capital, making it easier to visit stunning beach destinations, historical sites, and thriving business hubs.

Promoting the Philippines as a top destination for Indians

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Beyond leisure travel, the DOT is also marketing the Philippines as a prime destination for Indian weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). With breathtaking island venues and world-class conference facilities, the country is well-positioned to attract more Indian travellers for grand celebrations and business events.

To further boost awareness, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is ramping up efforts to engage with Indian travel stakeholders, including trade shows and collaborations with the Indian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines. These initiatives aim to showcase the Philippines as an exciting, diverse, and family-friendly destination.

What this means for Filipino travellers

For Filipino travellers eager to experience India’s vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and world-famous cuisine, this development is a game-changer. Direct flights mean shorter travel times, fewer layovers, and a more convenient journey to cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru. Whether it’s for business, leisure, or spiritual journeys, exploring India will soon be easier than ever.

Also read: 9 Most Walkable Cities in Asia Every Filipino Traveller Must Visit!

Looking ahead

With the final details still being worked out, the launch of direct flights between the Philippines and India is shaping up to be one of the most exciting travel developments of 2025. As both governments and airlines move closer to finalising the plans, travellers can look forward to easier, faster, and more affordable trips between these two dynamic nations.