Philippine Airlines (PAL) will open up a new one-stop option for travellers moving between Australia and India, announcing on 28 September 2026 that it will launch Manila–Delhi and Manila–Mumbai services in December, subject to Indian regulatory clearance. The three-weekly Delhi flights and four-weekly Mumbai flights will be timed to connect with PAL’s existing services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, creating a competitive alternative to the Singapore and Middle-East hubs that currently dominate the corridor. PAL will deploy 168-seat Airbus A321neos featuring lie-flat business seats and enhanced cargo capacity. The airline last served India in 2011, and the new schedule restores nonstop Manila–Delhi links while inaugurating the only direct Manila–Mumbai route. PAL ANZ & PNG country manager Krystle Ramirez-Gastrock said the move targets “VFR” (visiting-friends-and-relatives) demand as well as growing business travel tied to India’s tech and resources sectors. For Australian corporates the development widens itinerary choice and could shave hours—and costs—off India journeys, especially from secondary capitals where PAL’s overnight Manila arrivals align with morning Australia departures. Additionally, Indian professionals heading to Australia under the new Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement can consolidate medicals and biometrics in Manila rather than wait for scarce appointments in India’s Tier-2 cities. Travel managers should note that India’s e-visa remains available for Australian passport-holders, while Indian nationals will still require an Australian Visitor or Temporary Work visa depending on purpose. PAL expects to publish through-fares in global distribution systems within two weeks and is negotiating interline baggage agreements with Qantas and Virgin Australia to provide seamless domestic feed once Western Sydney International Airport opens in 2027.
Source: Travel Weekly
