NE AVIATION BUREAU
CHENNAI, SEPT 25
Could the next big leap in India–Philippines air connectivity be just a nonstop flight away? Philippine Airlines (PAL) is preparing to make that leap, announcing plans to launch nonstop services between Manila and Delhi, while also introducing its first-ever Mumbai–Manila service, from December 2026, subject to approval by the Indian Government.
The expansion will put three weekly Delhi–Manila flights and four weekly Mumbai–Manila flights on PAL’s proposed network, giving travellers direct air links between the Philippines and two of India’s major cities. Beyond point-to-point travel, the services will turn Manila into a gateway for Indian passengers heading onward across Asia, North America and Australia.
- Sky is the limit as PAL plans three weekly Delhi–Manila flights and four weekly Mumbai–Manila services from December 2026
- New nonstop links to connect Indian travellers directly with the Philippines, subject to Indian Government approval
- 168-seat Airbus A321neo to fly both routes with lie-flat Business Class and 156 Economy seats
- Manila hub to open onward access to Southeast Asia, North Asia, North America and Australia
- Passenger and cargo connectivity set to strengthen India–Philippines travel, trade and business ties
“Opening services to Delhi and Mumbai strengthens PAL’s network in one of Asia’s most dynamic economies,” said PAL President Richard Nuttall.
“These routes will create new opportunities for Filipinos to explore India while supporting the growing movement of travelers, businesses and goods between our two countries.”
Three flights a week to Delhi
Under the proposed schedule, PR643 will operate Delhi–Manila every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, departing Delhi at 8:15 a.m. and arriving in Manila at 5 p.m.
The return PR642 will operate Manila–Delhi every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, departing Manila at 10:40 p.m. and arriving in Delhi at 3 a.m. the following day.
Mumbai gets a new nonstop bridge
Mumbai will join PAL’s network through four weekly nonstop services.
PR647 will depart Mumbai for Manila every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 7:15 a.m., arriving at 5 p.m. The return PR646 will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:40 p.m., reaching Mumbai at 3:05 a.m. the following day.
All timings are local.
A321neo brings premium-and-economy mix
PAL will deploy its 168-seat Airbus A321neo on both India routes, configured with 12 lie-flat Business Class seats and 156 Economy Class seats. The full-service offering will include inflight meals, entertainment and PAL’s signature service.
The airline has also highlighted services tailored to Indian travellers, including Indian-inspired inflight meals and vegetarian and Jain options, making the proposed connectivity relevant not only for business and leisure travellers but also for families and culturally diverse passenger segments.
Manila as the gateway beyond
For Indian travellers, the significance of the new services could extend well beyond Manila.
PAL’s Manila hub will provide onward connectivity to Philippine destinations such as Cebu, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Davao, while its wider international network provides links to destinations including Los Angeles, Vancouver, Honolulu, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Tokyo Haneda and Hong Kong.
The India expansion also has a cargo dimension. PAL said the new services will expand cargo capacity between India and the Philippines, allowing shipments to connect with its broader domestic and international cargo network.
A new air corridor for two economies
The proposed services come as India–Philippines passenger, business and trade links gain a direct aviation bridge. Delhi brings access to India’s political and northern regional centres, while Mumbai is a major financial, commercial, entertainment and cultural hub.
For PAL, the India expansion represents more than two new city pairs: it extends the Philippine flag carrier’s international network into one of Asia’s major aviation and economic markets.
The December launch remains subject to Indian Government approval, with PAL making the services available through its website, mobile app, ticket offices, hotline and accredited travel agents once operational.
