IndiGo seeks Philippine permit for Manila, Cebu flights

Dhaka: The Philippines and India are set to gain a new direct air link, as IndiGo has applied for regulatory clearance to launch nonstop flights potentially connecting Manila and Cebu with Indian cities.

The Philippines' Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said in a notice dated August 14 that InterGlobe Aviation Ltd., IndiGo's parent company, has sought a foreign air carrier's permit to operate in the country.

A hearing has been scheduled for September 16 to decide whether the permit will be granted. IndiGo and the Philippines' leading carriers have been asked to attend.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), a vice chair of the CAB, said last August that IndiGo had already flagged interest in starting direct flights to the Philippines within the year.

The DOT added that the airline is eyeing nonstop routes from India to Manila and Cebu, two of the country's busiest gateways, as part of efforts to bring Indian travelers to top beach destinations, following recent launches to Seychelles, Mauritius, and Bali.

IndiGo, India's largest carrier, operates a fleet of 432 aircraft as of end-June, with over 900 more on order for delivery over the coming decade. It currently serves more than 140 destinations across Asia, Africa, and Europe, including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia in Southeast Asia.

Amid rising demand, national flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has separately asked the CAB for additional entitlements to operate direct flights to India, citing the Philippines-India Air Services Agreement.

The pact allows up to 28 weekly flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai to Manila and three other Philippine cities.

PAL had earlier flown direct to New Delhi in 2011 but withdrew the service over weak demand, and a planned 2019 revival was shelved due to regional geopolitical tensions.

Currently, Air India is the only carrier flying between New Delhi and Manila. The route began with five weekly flights last year but has since expanded to daily service amid growing demand.

Indian arrivals to the Philippines have risen since the country introduced visa-free entry for Indian nationals traveling for tourism or business, allowing a 14-day stay for passport holders with at least six months' validity.

DOT data showed India ranked as the 10th-largest source of foreign visitors to the Philippines in the first half of the year, with 60,583 arrivals.