Philippine Airlines Plans New Routes to Delhi and Mumbai in December 2026

Philippine Airlines is set to expand its international network by introducing new nonstop flights to India. The airline plans to restart its Manila-Delhi service and launch its first-ever nonstop route to Mumbai in December 2026. These new services are subject to approval from the Indian government. The proposed flights aim to provide more convenient travel options for business, leisure, and cultural exploration between the Philippines and two of India’s major cities.

New Delhi and Mumbai Routes Detailed

The airline has announced plans for three weekly flights to Delhi and four weekly flights to Mumbai. Both routes will utilize the Airbus A321neo aircraft, which features 168 seats, including 12 lie-flat Business Class seats and 156 Economy seats. This aircraft choice suggests a focus on comfort and capacity for these long-haul journeys. The introduction of these routes signifies Philippine Airlines’ commitment to growing its presence in the South Asian market.

The Manila-Delhi route is a resumption for Philippine Airlines, as the service was previously operated before being discontinued in 2011. The addition of a nonstop Manila-Mumbai service would mark a new destination for the carrier, establishing its first direct link between the two capital cities. This expansion is expected to boost tourism and trade between the Philippines and India.

Flight Schedules and Travel Times

The planned flight schedules are designed to offer convenient travel times for passengers. Outbound flights from Manila are scheduled to depart late in the evening, at 10:40 PM. This timing allows passengers to travel overnight and arrive in India early the next morning. The return flights are scheduled to depart from India in the morning, with arrivals back in Manila around 5:00 PM.

The specific departure and arrival times vary slightly between the Delhi and Mumbai routes due to the time difference and flight duration. For the Manila-Delhi route, outbound flights are set to depart Manila on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, arriving in Delhi at 3:00 AM the following day. Return flights from Delhi are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, departing at 8:15 AM and arriving in Manila at 5:00 PM.

For the Manila-Mumbai route, outbound flights are planned for Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, departing Manila at 10:40 PM and arriving in Mumbai at 3:05 AM the next day. Return flights from Mumbai are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing at 7:15 AM and also arriving in Manila at 5:00 PM.

Approval and Booking Information

The launch of these new routes is contingent upon receiving approval from the Government of India. Philippine Airlines has indicated December 2026 as the target month for the commencement of services. One industry report suggests a specific start date of December 14, 2026, for the Delhi service, though a separate date for Mumbai has not been specified by the airline.

Passengers will be able to book flights through Philippine Airlines’ official website and mobile app. Additionally, bookings can be made at ticket offices, through the airline’s hotline, and via accredited travel agents. For Filipino passport holders planning to travel to India, Philippine Airlines has noted that they may be eligible to use India’s e-Visa program, providing a convenient option for visa applications.

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