Direct PH-India flights may take off soon
CAAP Director General Manuel Antonio Tamayo —Contributed photo
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is working to have direct flights between the Philippines and India—a popular Asian destination—amid the sustained demand for international air travel.
In a statement on Wednesday, the CAAP said that it had a meeting with the executives of Air India to discuss the launching of direct air services between the countries.
The regulators explained to the Indian flag carrier the required documentation, technical specifications and procedural framework to secure flight approvals.
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Representatives of CAAP and Air India also talked about proposed routes and flight frequencies, among others.
CAAP Director General Manuel Antonio Tamayo said they were keen on “facilitating the flight approval process while maintaining rigorous safety and operational standards.”
“Both parties expressed optimism regarding the economic and cultural benefits of direct air links, highlighting the potential for increased passenger demand and expanded business opportunities between the Philippines and India,” the CAAP said.
Delhi, Mumbai
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said in 2023 that Air India was one of the international airlines eyeing to set up operations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
MIAA, at the time, said Air India was targeting to provide direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai.
Last month, it was reported that Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain expressed interest in launching the direct flights “in the next few months.”
Apart from Air India, IndiGo is also seen servicing the potentially lucrative route.
The direct flights are being established amid the growing tourism activities between the countries.
Last year, tourists from India visiting the Philippines grew by 12 percent to about 79,000.
The Philippine government also simplified the visa application of Indians entering the country with the launch of an e-Visa system last year. This has allowed travelers to apply for e-Visas remotely via digital platforms.
Foreign airlines have been ramping up their flight network in the country in response to the growing appetite for overseas travel.
Last year, United Airlines launched its San Francisco-Narita-Cebu flights while Qantas Airways started servicing the Brisbane-Manila route.
Air France also began operating the highly anticipated Manila-Paris flights last year.
