MORE FLIGHTS TO BANGKOK, COLOMBO & KATHMANDU FROM JULY 2025, PLUS DIRECT MANILA ROUTE FROM OCTOBER

As India’s aviation sector continues its inteational resurgence, Air India—the country’s flag carrier—is taking bold strides toward enhancing regional and long-haul connectivity. In a significant move announced this week, the airline confirmed a major expansion across key Asian destinations. Starting July 7, 2025, Air India will be increasing the frequency of flights on high-demand routes to Bangkok, Colombo, and Kathmandu, adding over 7,000 weekly seats. Adding to the excitement, the airline also revealed that it will begin direct services to Manila, Philippines, from October 1, 2025.

This strategic expansion aligns with Air India’s renewed vision of establishing itself as a leading global connector while catering to growing travel demands from both business and leisure segments.

Boosting Regional Connectivity from July 2025

From the spiritual trails of Kathmandu to the sun-drenched beaches of Colombo and the bustling streets of Bangkok, Indian travellers will now enjoy significantly improved access to some of Asia’s most popular destinations.

Starting July 7, Air India will increase its flight frequencies on the following routes:

Delhi–Kathmandu: Smoother Joueys to Nepal

Air India will introduce a sixth daily flight between Delhi and Kathmandu, taking the total to 42 flights per week. This route, already one of the busiest due to its proximity and cultural ties, is expected to benefit pilgrims, trekkers, and business travellers alike. The newly added evening departure at 21:00 from Delhi and retu flight at 06:30 from Kathmandu the following day will offer greater flexibility and allow for better day-planning.

Delhi–Colombo: Doubling Down on Sri Lanka

The frequency between Delhi and Colombo will double from once daily to twice daily, translating into 14 weekly flights. With departure from Delhi scheduled at 03:25, travellers can now arrive in Colombo early moing at 07:15, perfect for maximizing vacation time. The retu flight departs at 08:20, making it ideal for moing connections back into India’s capital. This expansion reflects growing tourism and business links between India and Sri Lanka.

Mumbai–Bangkok: More Access to Thailand

Mumbai will now connect to Bangkok through three daily flights, up from the current two, bringing the weekly total to 18 flights. The newly added flight departing at 04:00 from Mumbai and reaching Bangkok by 10:10 offers early access to the city, while the retu service at 11:15 gets travellers back to Mumbai by afteoon. This route has seen growing demand due to Thailand’s visa-friendly policies and increasing trade and tourism exchanges.

Enhanced Comfort with Premium Services

These additional flights aren’t just about quantity—they bring a promise of better travel experiences. Passengers on these routes will be welcomed aboard Air India’s mode narrowbody fleet, which now features a three-class configuration: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. This upgrade ensures a full-service flying experience with:

• Spacious seating and enhanced legroom in Premium Economy
• Gourmet Indian and inteational meal options
• In-flight entertainment systems across cabins
• Personalized cabin service and baggage benefits

These features position Air India as a truly premium option for regional travellers, setting it apart from low-cost competitors operating in similar sectors.

Global Connectivity Made Seamless

While these flights primarily serve regional travel needs, they also play a critical role in enhancing Air India’s long-haul network. For travellers heading to North America, Europe, or the Far East, the new flight timings have been optimized to enable faster and smoother connections via Delhi and Mumbai hubs. Whether you’re flying from Kathmandu to New York or from Bangkok to London via Delhi, Air India’s expanded schedule minimizes layovers and enhances convenience for inteational passengers.

Direct Delhi–Manila Flights from October 2025: A New Chapter

Looking beyond July’s regional upgrades, Air India has set its sights on the Philippines, one of Asia’s most beautiful island nations and a rising trade partner. Starting October 1, 2025, the airline will launch direct non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, operated five times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The service will use the Airbus A321neo, featuring all three cabin classes—Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. Flight AI2362 will depart Delhi at 13:20, landing in Manila at 22:40, while the retu flight AI2361 will leave Manila at 23:40, arriving in Delhi at 03:50 the next day.

This route isn’t just an aviation milestone—it’s a cultural bridge. Indian travellers can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days, opening the door to world-famous destinations like Palawan, Cebu, and Boracay. It’s a dream come true for adventure seekers, honeymooners, and digital nomads alike.

Strategic Significance and Economic Impact

Air India’s expanded Southeast Asia network strengthens India’s connectivity with some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. In particular, the India–Philippines bilateral trade, which reached USD 3.53 billion in 2023–24, stands to benefit greatly from the new Manila service. With improved access and reduced travel times, business communities on both sides can now foster deeper collaborations in technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and education.

Moreover, the increased capacity on Kathmandu, Colombo, and Bangkok routes supports India’s tourism vision while also serving as a gateway for inteational travellers entering the Indian subcontinent.

Final Thoughts

Air India’s 2025 summer and autumn schedule marks a defining moment in its transformation jouey. By strengthening connectivity to Kathmandu, Colombo, and Bangkok while opening a new corridor to Manila, the airline is not only catering to pent-up travel demand but also establishing itself as a key player in India’s global aviation ambitions.

For travellers, this means more convenience, better service, and a renewed reason to explore Asia with comfort and ease. Whether you're planning a Himalayan escape, a tropical getaway, or a business mission, Air India is now better equipped than ever to take you there