MANILA- Approximately 20 global airlines, including Air India (AI), are considering establishing flight operations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, Philippines.
However, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is currently evaluating and determining which airlines will be granted slots.
Air India Eyes Manila Flights
According to Bryan Co, the former MIAA General Manager, their priority is given to airlines offering nonstop flights to destinations that currently lack direct routes. “We carefully allocate slots,” he emphasized.
Air India, the national carrier of India, is among the applicants expressing interest. Bryan Co mentioned, “We’re eagerly awaiting to see if it will materialize. It’s a new route that we would like to develop.”
He indicated the desire to establish direct flights to popular destinations such as Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM).
Additionally, Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air are among the other applicants under consideration, as mentioned by Co to Inquirer.
At present, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) handles 41 aircraft movements per hour and accommodates 48 air carriers connecting the country to 57 international destinations.
Notably, recent additions include Greater Bay Airlines from Hong Kong, offering routes to Manila five days a week, and Batik Air from Malaysia, providing daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Manila.
Enhancing SouthEast Asia Connectivity
Recently, in December 2023, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organized a special airport ceremony to celebrate the inaugural flight from Delhi (DEL) to Phuket (HKT) by Tata-owned Air India.
The first flight, AI378, touched down at 07:10 Hrs. and received a warm welcome with a water cannon salute as it taxied to its gate. Upon arrival, passengers were greeted by officials, notable figures, and traditional Thai dance performances.
Commencing on December 15, 2023, Air India initiated the four weekly flights on the Delhi-Phuket route, scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. By January 2024, the service will transition to a daily operation.
The flights are operated using an Airbus A320neo aircraft, equipped with 162 seats, including 150 in Economy and 12 in Business Class.
In addition to the existing 26 flights to Bangkok per week, featuring daily nonstop flights from Delhi and Mumbai, along with six flights per week from Kolkata, Air India’s new Delhi-Phuket service will establish a convenient air link between the two cities for tourism and trade. This initiative aligns with Air India’s East and Southeast Asian expansion strategy.
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