Philippine Airlines to Launch Delhi and Mumbai Flights in December 2026

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is planning to launch nonstop flights from Manila to New Delhi and Mumbai in December 2026, creating new direct air links between the Philippines and India.

The airline announced the planned services on September 25, 2026, saying the new routes will support growing travel, business and trade between the two countries. However, the services remain subject to approval from the Indian government.

Philippine Airlines to Connect Manila with Delhi and Mumbai

The new services will connect Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila with two of India's major cities — New Delhi and Mumbai.

PAL plans to operate both routes using its 168-seat Airbus A321neo. The aircraft is configured with Business Class and Economy Class cabins.

The proposed services are expected to provide passengers with a direct alternative to connecting flights through other Asian hubs.
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Manila–Delhi Flight Schedule

According to the schedule announced by Philippine Airlines, the proposed Manila–Delhi service will operate three times a week.

The Manila departure for PR642 is scheduled for 10:40 PM, with arrival in Delhi at approximately 3:00 AM the following day.

Manila–Mumbai Flight Schedule

The planned Manila–Mumbai service will operate four times a week.

The Manila–Mumbai flight is scheduled to depart at 10:40 PM and arrive in Mumbai at approximately 3:05 AM the following day.

Passengers should note that the December schedule is a planned timetable, and final operations depend on the necessary Indian regulatory approval.

What Aircraft Will Philippine Airlines Use?

Philippine Airlines plans to use its Airbus A321neo on both India routes.

The aircraft has 168 seats, including:

• 12 Business Class seats

• 156 Economy Class seats

The Business Class cabin features lie-flat seats, while Economy Class provides standard passenger seating.

Why the New India Routes Matter

The launch would expand direct air connectivity between India and the Philippines.

Currently, travellers between the two countries may need to use connecting flights depending on their origin and destination. A nonstop PAL service would provide another option for passengers travelling between Manila and India's major business and tourism centres.

The airline also expects the new routes to support business travel, tourism and cargo movement between the Philippines and India.

More Convenient Travel Between India and the Philippines

For Indian travellers, the proposed Mumbai and Delhi services could make travelling to the Philippines more convenient.

Delhi and Mumbai are major international aviation hubs with extensive domestic connections. This means passengers from other Indian cities may be able to connect through either airport before continuing to Manila.

Similarly, passengers from the Philippines could use Manila as their starting point for travel to India.

A New Option for Indian Tourists

The Philippines is known for destinations such as:

• Manila

• Cebu

• Boracay

• Palawan

• Bohol

• Davao

Manila can serve as a gateway for travellers planning to explore other parts of the Philippines.

With direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai, Indian tourists could have another option for reaching the country without a third-country flight connection.

Business and Trade Connections Could Also Benefit

The new routes are not only aimed at leisure travellers.

India and the Philippines have growing business and commercial links, and direct air connectivity can make business travel between the two markets more convenient.

PAL has also said that the new services will expand cargo capacity between India and the Philippines, allowing shipments to connect with the airline's wider international cargo network.

Flights Still Need Indian Government Approval

One important point for travellers is that the routes are not yet fully confirmed for operation.

Philippine Airlines has announced its December 2026 plans, but the services are subject to approval from the Indian government.

Travellers should therefore wait for the airline's final confirmation before making non-refundable travel arrangements specifically around these services.

Flight schedules and operating days may also be adjusted before the launch.

What Indian Travellers Should Check Before Booking

If you are planning a Philippines trip for December 2026 or later, check:

• Final PAL flight schedule

• Indian government approval

• Ticket availability

• Baggage allowance

• Philippine entry requirements

• Passport validity

• Return or onward ticket requirements

• Hotel booking requirements

• Travel insurance

Travellers should verify the latest entry rules before departure because immigration requirements can change.

Delhi vs Mumbai: Two New Gateway Options

The addition of both Delhi and Mumbai gives travellers two major Indian gateways.

Delhi: The proposed service provides a direct Manila connection for passengers from northern India and travellers connecting through the capital.

Mumbai: The four-times-weekly service gives western and central India another potential direct link to Manila.

The two routes together are planned to provide seven weekly departures from Manila to India — three to Delhi and four to Mumbai.

Final Takeaway

Philippine Airlines is planning to launch nonstop Manila–Delhi and Manila–Mumbai flights in December 2026, using Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The proposed Delhi service is scheduled for three days a week, while Mumbai is planned for four days a week. The routes are expected to improve direct connectivity for tourism, business and cargo between India and the Philippines.

However, the flights are subject to Indian government approval, so travellers should check the airline's official announcements before booking.

For Indian tourists planning a Philippines holiday, the new services could provide additional direct travel options once they receive the necessary approvals and officially open for booking.