Philippine Airlines (PAL) is expanding travel connections between Australia and India with the launch of new services to New Delhi and Mumbai via Manila, starting in December 2026. The expansion will provide Australian travellers with additional one-stop options to reach two of India’s major cultural and commercial centres.
The airline plans to operate three weekly flights between Manila and Delhi and four weekly flights between Manila and Mumbai. The new services will connect with PAL’s existing flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, offering passengers more choices when travelling between Australia and India.
Krystle Ramirez Gastrock, PAL Country Manager for Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, said the routes would support Australians travelling to India for family visits, heritage experiences, business opportunities and tourism. She said the airline aims to serve these journeys with its full-service offering and Filipino hospitality while strengthening links between Australia, the Philippines and India.
The new connections will also benefit travellers flying in the opposite direction. Passengers from India will be able to connect through Manila to Australian destinations, while Delhi and Mumbai will gain onward links to other cities across PAL’s international network, including Los Angeles and Vancouver.
Under the published schedule, flight PR642 from Manila to Delhi will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing at 10:40 pm and arriving at 3:00 am the following day. The return service, PR643, will depart Delhi at 8:15 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, reaching Manila at 5:00 pm.
For Mumbai, flight PR646 will leave Manila at 10:40 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, arriving at 3:05 am the next day. The return flight, PR647, will depart Mumbai at 7:15 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Manila at 5:00 pm. All times are local.
PAL will operate both routes using its Airbus A321neo aircraft, configured with 168 seats, including 12 lie-flat Business Class seats and 156 Economy Class seats. The airline said passengers will receive its full-service onboard experience, with inflight meals featuring Indian and Asian-inspired options, entertainment and its signature service.
Beyond passenger travel, the new routes are expected to provide additional connections for cargo shipments moving between Australia, India and the Philippines. Freight can be routed through Manila into PAL’s wider international cargo network, offering another option for businesses transporting goods across the three markets.
The airline also highlighted visa options for travellers planning their journeys. Australian passport holders may be eligible to use India’s e-Visa programme, subject to the applicable requirements. Indian nationals travelling to Australia can apply for an Australian Visitor visa, with approval and eligibility governed by Australian immigration rules.
The expansion adds new gateways to Delhi and Mumbai through Manila and strengthens Philippine Airlines’ role in connecting Australia with the Philippines, India and other international destinations.
Passengers will be able to book the new services through the Philippine Airlines website, its mobile app, PAL ticket offices and hotline, as well as accredited travel agents.
