09 Oct 2025
#2 October 2025: India Aviation Newsletter
Air India inaugurates India’s first non-stop flight to the Philippines
Air India inaugurated India’s first non-stop service to the Philippines on 1st October 2025. The Delhi–Manila route is operated using a three-class Airbus A321LR, featuring Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. This new connection enables Filipino travellers to access Air India’s growing long-haul network across Europe and North America via Delhi.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated:
“The launch of non-stop flights to Manila unlocks the immense potential for tourism to the Philippines, as Indian travellers, with their growing appetite for leisure travel and increasing spending power, seek new and exciting destinations. These new services will help showcase the Philippines’ vibrant culture and stunning landscapes to many Indian travellers, while also fostering greater trade and cultural exchange, strengthening the bonds between the two nations.”
Bengaluru Airport City Partners with GAIL Gas Limited to Expand City Gas Distribution
Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL) has signed an agreement with GAIL Gas Limited to develop a City Gas Distribution (CGD) facility at Bengaluru Airport City. The facility will include a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station, Piped Natural Gas (PNG) installations, and associated clean energy infrastructure. In addition, non-fuel retail and convenience services will be available for the public.
BACL CEO Mr. Rao Munukutla stated:
“The upcoming City Gas Distribution facility of GAIL Gas in Bengaluru Airport City marks a transformative step in advancing India’s clean energy transition. Established within an Airport City that has already achieved the IGBC Green Cities Platinum Rating, this development reinforces our leadership in sustainable urban innovation.”
IndiGo Strengthens Delhi Hub with New International Routes
IndiGo has announced a major expansion of operations from its North India hub in New Delhi. Three new international routes—Denpasar, Bali (daily from October 24), Krabi (four times weekly from October 26), and Manchester (four times weekly from November 15)—will be launched. Additionally, the Delhi–Bangkok route will increase to double daily from October 26.
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers stated:
“Delhi has always been central to IndiGo’s growth story… As we continue to grow internationally, developing globally competitive and locally connected aviation hubs in India will be a cornerstone of our growth strategy, accelerating our journey to become a global aviation leader by 2030.”
Acumen’s Take
On Air India’s Delhi–Manila Non-Stop
This is a strategically timed route that fills a notable gap in direct South–Southeast Asia connectivity. Beyond tourism, the service creates an alternative transit corridor for Filipino travellers heading west via Delhi. For Air India, it also marks another step in leveraging the A321LR to target medium-haul, high-opportunity corridors with premium configuration flexibility.
On Bengaluru Airport City’s Clean Energy Push
The GAIL Gas partnership reflects the growing convergence of aviation infrastructure and urban sustainability mandates. Integrating City Gas Distribution into airport ecosystems is a tangible step toward decarbonising airport operations—especially in high-density metro regions where clean mobility is vital. This deal also sets a precedent for future multi-modal green hubs.
On IndiGo’s Delhi Expansion
IndiGo’s aggressive expansion from Delhi is a clear signal of its intent to cement the airport as a pan-Asian and European hub. The airline is now leveraging Delhi not only as a domestic gateway but as a springboard for international mid-haul growth. New routes to Bali, Krabi and Manchester indicate a careful blend of leisure and diaspora-led demand, essential for route profitability and strategic diversification.
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