July 16, 2018 TnH Global 4

Indian opens skies to Philippines, allows unlimited direct flights

The archipelago of the Philippines will soon be a direct flight away from Indian cities. The two countries have now allowed 28 weekly flights between their major cities and unlimited frequencies between their smaller cities. This is the first enhancement of flying rights in more than a decade, raising the earlier bilateral that allowed only seven flights a week.

“After 13 years, bilateral civil aviation negotiations were held between India and Philippines on July 11 and 12, 2018. Airlines of both countries can now operate 28 weekly flights to the major cities and also deploy unlimited capacity to alter cities in both countries. This will able direct flights between India and Philippines again,” the aviation ministry said in a tweet.

While the number of Indian tourists visiting the Philippines has been rising in recent times, there is no direct flight between the two countries. So, they take one-stop connections on airlines like Singapore Airlines, Thai, Air Asia and Silk Air. Airlines of Philippines approached Indian authorities some time back, seeking enhancement of bilateral so that they could start direct flights. The archipelago’s flag carrier Philippines Airlines (PA) is learnt to be planning to start direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Manila this year.

Clearly, Indian tourists are on the radar of Philippines. “Philippines has also relaxed visa requirements for Indian nationals. Those who have a valid US, Canada, UK, Schengen, Australian and Singapore visa can enter the destination without a visa and stay for 14 days free of charge. Others will have to secure a single entry visa from India, valid for 14 days. Tourists use Manila as the main getaway and travel to Cebu, Palawan Islands and Coron Islands,” said a senior official of a travel major.

According to Philippines Tourism, over 1 lakh Indians visited the Philippines in 2017. There has been 18% growth in the first three months of this year and they expect to maintain this growth in the entire year, the official added. “India is the 12th largest source market for the Philippines. Beaches such as Cebu are the top draw for Indian tourists and there is also demand for soft adventure. The main target segments are families and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) travel as conference organizers are looking for a more varied option after visiting the usual destination such as Thailand and Malaysia,” he added.