TravTalk India Online Magazine
Air India’s direct flight between New Delhi and Manila is set to transform travel and tourism between India and the Philippines. Combined with the Philippines’ 14-day visa-free entry for Indians, the move signals renewed momentum for leisure, business, and cultural exchange.
Janice Alyosius
The direct air connectivity between New Delhi and Manila has opened a new chapter in India–Philippines relations, marking a significant milestone for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. Speaking about the launch of Air India’s direct service, His Excellency Josel F Ignacio, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to India, expressed optimism that this long-awaited development will accelerate the recovery of tourist arrivals from India and deepen bilateral ties.
“We launched the direct flight between India and the Philippines, between New Delhi and Manila. Before the pandemic in 2019, we were receiving 130,000 Indian tourists a year, and that number was on the upswing. We were optimistic it would double in the following years, but COVID happened. Now, with recovery well underway, we have moved from around 57,000 arrivals two years ago to about 78,000 last year. We feel confident that we will soon surpass pre-COVID numbers,” he said.
According to him, two key enablers will drive this momentum, The Philippines’ 14-day visa-free entry for Indian tourists and Air India’s direct service between New Delhi and Manila. “With these two elements on the table, we are certain that more Indian friends will visit our shores,” he said.
Bridging the distance
For over a decade, travellers between India and the Philippines have had to transit through hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, or Hong Kong. The Ambassador described the direct route as a ‘straight line’ that symbolises not only geographic proximity but also diplomatic and cultural closeness. “The benefits of a direct flight are clear — you save on hours, avoid transits, and enjoy greater convenience.
The flight time is just six and a half hours, which means travellers don’t lose a day in transit. This ease of travel will encourage more Indians to discover the Philippines and vice versa,” he said.
H.E. Ignacio noted that Indian travellers’ decisions are often guided by two major factors — visa access and direct connectivity. “We have addressed both. The visa-free policy since June, and now a non-stop connection. These steps respond directly to what Indian travellers look for when planning trips abroad.”
A destination with everything
Highlighting the Philippines’ diverse offerings, H.E. Ignacio describes it as a destination that ‘has it all’. “We have 7,641 islands, all tropical, with pristine beaches, world-class diving, and surfing. Beyond the coastlines, there are lush mountains, and for those who prefer urban experiences, we have the glitz and glamour of modern cities with some of the largest shopping malls in Asia,” he said, adding, “There is something for everybody. Whether for leisure, business, or largescale events.”
Boosting MICE and film tourism
The Ambassador emphasized that the Philippines is actively positioning itself as an attractive MICE destination and is exploring film tourism opportunities for the Indian market. “At the Embassy, we are constantly improving services to support these segments. During my term, we implemented the electronic visa, and from there, we started exploring visa relaxation outright — which led to the visa-free regime. We continue to make recommendations to identify what more can be done to attract Indian travellers, event organisers, and film producers.”
Invitation to Indians
H.E. Ignacio invites Indians to feel the warmth of Filipino hospitality. “We want to welcome all our Indian friends to visit the Philippines. Our slogan is ‘Love the Philippines’, and we are confident you will. It’s a place of discovery and warmth, where English is widely spoken and where cultural familiarity meets new experiences.”
