Flying to the Philippines Just Got Easier for Indians With New Direct Flights and Visa-Free Entry

More Indians are coming to the Philippines with direct Delhi to Manila flights plus visa-free entry!

Air India launched its first direct flights from Delhi to Manila on October 1, 2025. Flight AI2362 departs Delhi at 1:20 PM and lands in Manila at 10:40 PM. The return flight, AI2361, leaves Manila at 11:40 PM and arrives in Delhi at 3:50 AM the next day. That is just 6 hours and 50 minutes in the air, making weekend getaways or quick business trips completely doable.

With these flights, Indian travellers will have easier access to the Philippines’ stunning islands, world-class diving sites, and buzzing cities.

This new route became possible after President Bongbong Marcos met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both leaders agreed to make travel between India and the Philippines easier. The flights run five days a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, aboard the Airbus A321neo, offering Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes.

Image credit: Philippine Information Agency Facebook Page

Officials from the Philippine Embassy in India joined Air India executives at the launch, highlighting that these flights not only meet rising passenger demand but also strengthen trade, tourism, and cultural ties. With this new route, Air India now serves eight Southeast Asian destinations across seven countries.

For adventure seekers, the Philippines has plenty to offer. Explore Manila’s historic Intramuros, Palawan’s secret lagoons, Cebu’s waterfalls, or swim safely with whale sharks in Donsol and Oslob. And yes, Filipino food is a must-try, from adobo and lechon to halo-halo.

On top of the direct flights, Indian nationals can enter the Philippines visa-free:

• 14-day stay for all Indian passport holders

• 30-day stay for those holding valid visas or residence permits from the US, UK, Schengen countries, Australia, Canada, or Singapore

This initiative is part of the ongoing strategic partnership between India and the Philippines, which also marks 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Also read: Japan to Hire 500,000 Indian Workers, Sparking Outrage From Locals

Image credit: translytranslations | Unsplash

This is great news for Indian tourists craving a tropical getaway close to home. The Philippines is now one of the easiest Southeast Asian destinations to visit without visa stress! Just sun, sand, and sea!

Imagine swapping Delhi’s chaos for Boracay’s beaches, or enjoying Palawan’s lagoons after a quick flight! With visa-free access and direct flights, that trip just became totally doable.

Also read: Fall in Love at These Stunning Pink Beaches in the Philippines

Meanwhile, Filipinos heading to India can also enjoy free e-visas, making it easier to experience India’s culture, festivals, and heritage sites.

The new visa-free policy for Indian tourists and the upcoming Delhi–Manila flights mark a big step in India–Philippines relations. Expect more Indian visitors exploring local destinations and giving the country’s tourism industry an extra kick of spice.

Image credit: shashankm19| Unsplash