CEBU is poised to benefit from a surge in Indian tourist arrivals as Air India announced the launch of non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila starting Oct. 1, 2025, marking the first direct air link between India and the Philippines.
The new five-times-weekly service will use Airbus A321neo aircraft in a three-class configuration and operate every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
“The introduction of our Delhi-Manila route is yet another step in our mission to connect India with more of the world, non-stop,” said Campbell Wilson, chief executive officer and managing director Air India, in a statement. “As outbound travel from India grows at an unprecedented pace, with Indian tourists ranking among the highest spenders globally, the new entry rules for Indian tourists are a shot in the arm to boost tourism to the Philippines.”
Visa-free entry
The Philippines’ recent decision to allow visa-free entry for Indian tourists for up to 14 days is expected to stimulate travel to key leisure destinations such as Boracay, Palawan and Cebu. Industry stakeholders anticipate Cebu, with its blend of historical attractions and tropical scenery, will emerge as a favored stop for Indian travelers.
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound tourism markets and Air India’s entry is seen as a catalyst for expanding people-to-people links and commercial ties between the two countries.
The new route is also expected to support bilateral trade, which reached US$3.53 billion in the fiscal year 2023–24, nearly doubling from $1.89 billion in 2015–16, according to the Embassy of India in Manila.
“We are happy to facilitate new opportunities for cultural exchange and economic collaboration between the two nations, while bringing the new Air India to more travellers around the world,” Wilson added.
Air India, owned by the Tata Group since 2022, is undergoing a five-year transformation under its Vihaan.AI program.
Air India currently serves 55 domestic and 48 international destinations across five continents. / KOC