Marcos: PH determined to have more direct flights with India

The Philippines is looking to have more direct flights to and from India, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Monday. 

“We launched the visa-free scheme for Indian tourists last June. This will be complemented soon by the recovery of direct flights led by Air India,” Marcos said during a meet and greet with the Filipino community in New Delhi. 

“We are determined to expand this to other carriers and to link other cities between the Philippines and India,” he added.

The President is in India for a five-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Beginning October 1, 2025, Air India will open its direct flights between New Delhi and Manila, the carrier had announced. 

To recall, the Philippines also granted visa-free entry to Indian tourists.

Indian tourists will be able to stay in the country visa-free for 14 days, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

The visa-free arrangement aims to increase tourism arrivals from India, which rose 12% in 2024 to nearly 80,000, according to data from the Department of Tourism. –NB, GMA Integrated News