Air India launches non-stop flight to Manila

Air India has launched its first non-stop flight to the Philippines. The inaugural flight to Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, departed from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport per schedule. With the launch of services to Manila, Air India further strengthens its presence in Southeast Asia, now operating to eight destinations across seven countries in the region. In addition to providing non-stop connectivity to an increasing number of travellers between India and the Philippines, the new flights also open new connections for Filipino travellers to access Air India’s robust network across Europe and North America via Delhi. (IMAGE: Airbus) Air India’s flights between Delhi and Manila are operated by the airline’s Airbus A321LR aircraft, featuring a three-class cabin configuration to offer a choice of Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class to travellers. Air India is one of the few airlines in Southeast Asia to offer fully flat beds in Business Class in the single-aisle A321 aircraft. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “The launch of non-stop flights to Manila unlocks the immense potential for tourism to the Philippines, as Indian travellers, with their growing appetite for leisure travel and increasing spending power, seek new and exciting destinations. These new services will help showcase the Philippines’ vibrant culture and stunning landscapes to many Indian travellers, while also fostering greater trade and cultural exchange, strengthening the bonds between the two nations.” Etihad Airways returns to Zanzibar with summer flights: Etihad Airways said it has relaunched seasonal flights to Zanzibar. From 14 June until 6 September 2026, Etihad will operate four weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Zanzibar, giving travellers the perfect gateway to palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant Swahili culture. Zanzibar becomes Etihad’s 30th destination announced this year, reinforcing the airline’s ambitious global expansion. The decision to return has been facilitated by Etihad’s larger and more complete European network, with multiple double-daily services now feeding Abu Dhabi. With two major European banks creating efficient connections in both directions, Zanzibar is now more accessible than ever for guests from Europe and the GCC. The seasonal service taps into strong summer demand for the destination from across these regions and complements Etihad’s growing global network.  Flights will be operated by Etihad’s Airbus A320, offering Business and Economy cabins designed for comfort on the medium-haul journey. Emirates expands London Heathrow schedule: Emirates is unlocking more opportunities for travel with the addition of six weekly flights to its London Heathrow schedule, starting 26 October 2025. The boosted schedule for the winter season follows record growth and demand, providing more convenience and departure time choices for travellers journeying to and from London Heathrow, and is well-timed to serve the year-end travel peak. Emirates already flies six times a day to and from London Heathrow, and all flights are served by its flagship Airbus A380. The additional flights will operate on all days except for Fridays during the winter period with the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER, offering over 350 seats each way in a three-class configuration split between First, Business, and Economy. Flight EK41 will depart Dubai on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 13:40hrs, arriving in London Heathrow at 17:40hrs*. The return flight, EK42, departs London Heathrow at 22:35hrs on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, arriving in Dubai at 09:35hrs the next day. The return flight, EK42, departs London Heathrow at 21:20hrs on Tuesday and Saturday, arriving in Dubai at 08:20hrs the next day. On Thursdays, EK41 will depart Dubai at 12:55hrs, arriving in London Heathrow at 16:55hrs. The return flight, EK42, departs from London Heathrow at 21:20hrs, arriving in Dubai at 08:20hrs the next day. All times are local. Akasa Air adds daily direct flights connecting Bengaluru and Phuket: Akasa Air has commenced daily direct flights connecting Bengaluru and Phuket. The inaugural flight on 1 October departed Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru at 0625 hrs IST arriving at Phuket International Airport at 1240hrs ICT. The route complements Akasa Air’s daily Mumbai–Phuket service inaugurated in September 2025, underscoring the airline’s commitment to expanding its presence in high-demand international destinations. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]