Among the major Asian carriers, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines have actively been serving US-India routes. Other Asian carriers are now emerging in this high-traffic travel corridor. While EVA Air is gearing up for the scheduled launch of its New Delhi flight, Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced its plans to connect Mumbai and New Delhi to Manila and beyond starting in December 2026. Manila, the Philippine capital and PAL hub, has good nonstop flight connectivity to the US.
Philippine Airlines flights to Delhi and Mumbai
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is making a comeback to India after around 13 years. It will resume the long-suspended Delhi to Manila flights and launch Mumbai to Manila service this December 2026. December 14 and 15 are the tentative dates for these upcoming services, subject to regulatory approvals, as some sources revealed. PAL flights to and from Mumbai will be four in a week, and DEL to Manila will get weekly three service. Philippine Airlines’ India to Manila service frequency will remain a total 7 flights a week through the winter schedule.
Travel between USA and India via Manila
Like alternative airlines operating some major routes between the US and India, Philippine Airlines will connect these countries via its hub, Manila International Airport. Currently, PAL operates 38 weekly nonstop flights from Manila to its US gateways: New York JFK, Seattle Tacoma, Los Angeles LAX, San Francisco SFO, and Honolulu HNL. Once you reach Manila, you can connect onward to the US on Philippine Airlines. Like the Middle East and European airlines, PAL flight itineraries, USA to India, will come with single bookings and thorough baggage transfer.
PAL flights to USA: City-wise frequency
- Los Angeles: 18 weekly service
- San Francisco: 7 weekly service
- Seattle: 5 weekly service
- Honolulu: 5 weekly service
- New York: 3 weekly service (increasing to 4 a week on 2 December)
- Chicago ORD: new 3 weekly service (from November 9, 2026)
PAL City Layover Program for Transit Passengers in Manila
Philippine Airlines’ PAL City Layover in Manila is a complimentary program for international transit passengers connecting through MNL Airport. The airline offers complimentary shuttle transfers to Newport World Resorts in Metro Manila for international passengers with a layover of 8 hours or more. PAL passengers can unwind, relax, dine, and enjoy entertainment at their own expense before their connecting flight to the destination. Eligible passengers can register for the program at a designated PAL transit desk at MNL Airport, NAIA.
Manila Airport as a Transit Hub for International Passengers
Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) can be a convenient transit hub for Indian travelers flying to the USA with Philippine Airlines, especially when both flights operate from Terminal 1, where PAL’s international flights are based. Transit passengers can use the 24-hour Terminal 1 Transit Lounge, while eligible Business Class and other qualifying passengers can access the Mabuhay Lounge with food, drinks and Wi-Fi. Overall, Manila offers a practical alternative to traditional Middle Eastern transit hubs for travelers taking a Delhi/Mumbai → Manila → USA itinerary.
