Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco expressed “strong government support” for IndiGo Airlines’ planned expansion into the Philippine market, including the launch of direct flights from India to Manila and Cebu next year.

In a news release on Friday, the DOT said Frasco, who also serves as vice chair of the Civil Aeronautics Board, met with IndiGo senior vice president Vinay Malhotra as part of the delegation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit.

India’s largest passenger airline operates a fleet of more than 400 aircraft, servicing over 130 destinations with 2,300 daily flights and 118 million passengers in 2024.

Malhotra said the carrier’s growing fleet, including one new aircraft added weekly and over 1,000 more on order, positions it to introduce long-haul aircraft capable of serving the Philippines’ key gateways.

“The Philippines is definitely on our radar,” Malhotra said.

He cited the country is being considered alongside destinations such as Seychelles, Mauritius, and Bali in Indonesia

Frasco welcomed the airline’s interest, citing Marcos’ push for structural reforms to create a more favorable climate for travel and expand connectivity.

“No less than our President, by way of these structural changes that he is making to make the climate for travel from India to the Philippines truly flourish, has communicated the government’s desire to expand connectivity to the Philippines,” she said.

She pledged to support the route development through coordination, input on partnerships, and joint marketing initiatives.

The meeting also acknowledged India’s recent grant of free e-visas for Filipinos, which the Philippines had reciprocated to boost tourist arrivals.

India has emerged as an important source market for Philippine tourism, with Air India set to launch five weekly direct flights from New Delhi to Manila starting Oct. 1. (PNA)