Travel News
Philippine Airlines Will Launch Nonstop Manila-Delhi and Manila-Mumbai Flights From December 2026
Philippine Airlines has announced nonstop Airbus A321neo services connecting Manila with Delhi and Mumbai from December 2026, pending Indian government approval, opening a new direct link as Indian arrivals to the Philippines climb.
Sep 26, 2026 · BigTravel.in
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced plans to launch nonstop flights between Manila and both Delhi and Mumbai starting December 2026, according to a company press release and reporting from outlets including Business Traveller, Rappler and the Manila Times published in the last few days. The routes, PAL's first scheduled services into India, are subject to final approval from the Indian government.
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The schedule
Manila-Delhi flights, numbered PR642, will depart Manila every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:40pm, arriving in Delhi at 3:00am the following day. The return, PR643, leaves Delhi every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8:15am, landing back in Manila at 5:00pm. Manila-Mumbai flights will run four times a week, departing Manila every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:40pm, with return flights from Mumbai on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 7:15am.
The aircraft
Both routes will be flown by PAL's 168-seat Airbus A321neo, configured with 12 lie-flat Business Class seats and 156 Economy Class seats, the same narrow-body type the airline already uses on several of its regional routes.
Why now
The launch follows a rise in Indian arrivals to the Philippines since Manila introduced visa-free entry for eligible Indian nationals, with reported first-half 2026 Indian visitor numbers up sharply year-on-year. Air India already flies Delhi-Manila directly; PAL's entry adds a second carrier on that route and opens the first direct Mumbai-Manila option for either airline.
Traveller tips
- Bookings were not yet reported as open at the time of writing; check Philippine Airlines' own site directly before relying on third-party listings.
- The route remains subject to Indian government approval, so treat December 2026 as a planned rather than confirmed start date until tickets go on sale.
- Overnight departure and early-morning arrival timings on both routes suit travellers wanting to land with a full day ahead of them.
- Confirm current visa requirements for the Philippines with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration or the nearest Philippine embassy before booking, since eligibility rules can change.
Where this is
Manila, Philippines