Philippine Airlines Manila-Delhi and Mumbai flights: schedule guide

Philippine Airlines plans to open nonstop flights from Manila to Delhi and Mumbai in December 2026. The airline has published flight numbers, days and local times, but both routes remain subject to Indian government approval.

That condition matters. Travelers can compare the proposed timetable and prepare documents now, but should not treat the services as operating until PAL confirms approval and a date is ticketed in its booking system.

*Original OpenSim editorial illustration. The aircraft, route lines, geography and skylines are illustrative; the image does not show a specific flight, terminal or operating service.*

The short answer: PAL proposes three weekly Manila-Delhi round trips and four weekly Manila-Mumbai round trips in December 2026. Both overnight outbound flights would leave Manila at 10:40 p.m. and reach India shortly after 3 a.m. the next day. Approval, the first operating dates and final airport details still need confirmation.

PAL's proposed Delhi and Mumbai schedule

The PAL announcement gives this timetable. All times are local:

PAL says it plans to use a 168-seat Airbus A321neo with 12 lie-flat Business Class seats and 156 Economy Class seats. An aircraft type can change for operational reasons, so the seat map in the live booking is the better reference for a particular trip.

What the approval condition means for booking

The announcement is a route plan, not proof that a flight has received every approval or will operate on a particular December date. Search only through PAL's official booking channels, and make sure the final screen shows the correct city, flight number, date and operating carrier.

If the trip depends on a fixed meeting, wedding or onward flight, avoid cancelling a workable alternative merely because the route has been announced. Flexible hotel and connection terms are useful until PAL confirms the start dates and Indian approval.

Plan for a pre-dawn arrival in India

PR642 would reach Delhi at 3:00 a.m.; PR646 would reach Mumbai at 3:05 a.m. Immigration, baggage and customs come before the trip into the city. Arrange the first transfer and hotel timing before departure rather than solving both after landing.

Delhi Airport's international arrival guide lists airport taxis, app-based rides, Metro connections, shuttles and car rentals. Mumbai Airport lists taxis, app cabs, buses and rail connections, with pickup points varying by terminal. At either airport, follow the current signs and use a designated pickup zone.

A room booked for the calendar day of arrival may not be ready at 4 or 5 a.m. Ask the hotel whether the reservation must start the previous night, or whether it can hold luggage until normal check-in.

Check Manila terminal and airport deadlines again

PAL's current international-terminal page places its Manila international flights at NAIA Terminal 1 and advises international passengers to arrive at least four hours before departure. Terminal assignments can change before a new route begins, so use the terminal printed on the ticket and check it again on departure day.

PAL's broader travel basics say online check-in normally opens 24 hours before departure and closes one hour before. The same page says most international airport counters close 60 minutes before departure and boarding gates close 15 minutes before. These are cutoffs, not recommended arrival targets.

Baggage allowance follows the ticket

Do not infer an allowance from the aircraft or route. PAL says each ticket has its own free checked-baggage allowance, and the allowance on a connecting flight may differ. Read the fare details before payment and the issued ticket afterward.

PAL's international baggage guidance says a single checked piece must not weigh more than 32 kg. A heavier bag must be repacked or will not be accepted. A separately ticketed onward flight can introduce another allowance, another fee and another check-in deadline.

India entry permission is separate from the flight

PAL notes that Filipino passport holders may be eligible for India's e-Visa program. Eligibility still depends on the traveler's passport, purpose and personal circumstances; an airline ticket is not entry permission.

Use only the Government of India e-Visa portal. Its current guidance lists both Delhi and Mumbai as designated e-Visa arrival airports and says eligible e-Tourist and e-Business applicants must apply at least four days before arrival. The portal also sets passport, blank-page, onward-ticket and other conditions. Apply with the passport that will be used for travel and wait for the required authorization before departure.

Connections need a realistic buffer

For an onward domestic flight in Delhi, the airport says an international arrival must clear immigration, collect baggage and pass customs. A connection in another terminal also needs a transfer and a new security process. Mumbai passengers should likewise confirm the arrival terminal, onward terminal and baggage process rather than assuming a through transfer.

If the flights sit on separate tickets, protect the itinerary with a much larger buffer or an overnight stay. Neither airline is normally responsible for a missed separate booking caused by a late inbound flight.

Mobile data for Manila, Delhi and Mumbai

For India-only travel, compare the India OpenSim eSIM. A traveler who also needs data in the Philippines can compare the Philippines OpenSim eSIM or an Asia 20 Areas OpenSim eSIM, whose current destination list includes both countries.

Check the live card's country list, allowance, validity, speed, hotspot terms and top-up field before paying. Not every plan can be topped up. Install on reliable Wi-Fi before departure, then follow the package's activation instructions so its validity does not begin earlier than intended. Keep the usual SIM enabled only for services you still need, and turn off its data roaming if avoiding carrier charges is important.

Ten questions about PAL's new India flights

Are the Manila-Delhi and Manila-Mumbai flights operating now?

No. PAL announced planned service for December 2026, subject to Indian government approval. A published timetable is not the same as an operating flight.

When will PAL start the Delhi and Mumbai routes?

PAL has named December 2026 but has not stated a first operating date in its announcement. Use the official booking result and issued ticket for a specific date, and keep the approval condition in mind.

How often would PAL fly from Manila to Delhi?

The proposal has PR642 leaving Manila on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with PR643 returning from Delhi on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

How often would PAL fly from Manila to Mumbai?

The proposal has PR646 leaving Manila on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. PR647 would return from Mumbai on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Are these nonstop flights?

Yes. PAL describes both as nonstop links from Manila. Verify that the booking screen shows PAL as the operating carrier and no intermediate stop for the selected date.

Which aircraft and cabin would PAL use?

PAL plans a 168-seat Airbus A321neo with 12 lie-flat Business Class seats and 156 Economy Class seats. Check the live seat map because an airline can substitute aircraft.

Which Manila terminal would the flights use?

PAL currently assigns its Manila international operation to NAIA Terminal 1, but the new routes' final details may change. Follow the terminal on the ticket and the airline's departure-day notice.

Do Filipino travelers need a visa for India?

Filipino ordinary-passport holders may be eligible for an Indian e-Visa, but eligibility and approval are not automatic. Apply through the official government portal and check the current conditions for the trip's purpose and passport.

Can I connect to a domestic flight after arriving in Delhi or Mumbai?

Yes, if the schedule leaves enough time and the traveler meets entry requirements. Allow for immigration, bag collection, customs, any terminal move, a new bag drop and security. Separate tickets need a larger margin.

What should I arrange for the 3 a.m. arrival?

Confirm the arrival terminal, designated taxi or app pickup, hotel access and an offline copy of the address. Decide before departure whether the room should be booked from the previous night.

Booking checklist while approval is pending

First confirm that Indian approval and the exact operating date are reflected in PAL's live booking system. Then check the city, flight number, local times, operating carrier, terminal, fare-specific baggage and connection protection. Complete the entry process through the official Indian government site, not an unofficial visa intermediary.

The route has a useful schedule on paper, particularly for travelers who want a nonstop alternative. Its practical value depends on the approval becoming final and the selected flight being issued as booked.

*Airline, airport, entry and OpenSim catalog details were checked on September 26, 2026. Update this guide when PAL confirms Indian approval, first operating dates, terminals, timetable changes or a material change to the route plan.*