Air India, under the Tata Group, is enhancing its international operations by launching a new non-stop route between Delhi and Manila and increasing flight frequencies to Kathmandu, Colombo, and Bangkok. These strategic expansions aim to meet growing passenger demand and strengthen Air India's position as a leading global carrier.

Effective 07 July 2025, Air India will add:

  • A sixth daily flight between Delhi and Kathmandu, increasing frequency from 35x weekly to 42x weekly.
  • A second daily flight between Delhi and Colombo, doubling frequency on the route from 7x weekly to 14x weekly.
  • A third daily flight between Mumbai and Bangkok, increasing frequency from 13x weekly to 18x weekly.

The expansion leads to the addition of over 7,000 seats deployed to and from Bangkok, Colombo, and Kathmandu.

The additional flights to Kathmandu and Bangkok will be operated by Air India’s best narrowbody aircraft in three-class cabin configuration, including Premium Economy Class, offering a premium full-service flying experience to travellers on the routes. With the added frequency, Air India will operate 42x weekly flights to Kathmandu, 28x weekly flights to Colombo, and 46x weekly flights to Bangkok.

Besides, Air India will also commence non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, the capital of the Philippines, on October 1, 2025. This marks the first direct connection between India and the Philippines in over a decade, making Air India the only carrier to offer this service.

The flights will operate five times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, using the Airbus A321neo aircraft. The aircraft features a three-class cabin configuration: Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy.

Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India, stated: “The introduction of our Delhi-Manila route is yet another step in our mission to connect India with more of the world, non-stop. As outbound travel from India grows at an unprecedented pace, with Indian tourists ranking among the highest spenders globally, the new entry rules for Indian tourists are a shot in the arm to boost tourism to the Philippines.”

The Philippines recently introduced visa-free entry for Indian tourists for up to 14 days, enhancing accessibility for Indian travelers. This development is expected to boost tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The flight schedule is as follows:

AI2362: Departs Delhi at 13:20 hrs, arrives in Manila at 22:40 hrs

AI2361: Departs Manila at 23:40 hrs, arrives in Delhi at 03:50 hrs (+1 day)