IndiGo, India's leading low-cost airline, has submitted an application to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to initiate direct flights to the Philippines from both Mumbai and Delhi.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced this development, stating it will support IndiGo through regulatory assessments, slot allocation, and investment facilitation.
Strengthening Ties Through Aviation
The DTI stands fully committed to facilitating their commercial requirements, coordinating with relevant regulatory bodies, and fostering strategic partnerships with local carriers to ensure a seamless launch.
Maria Cristina A. Roque, Trade Secretary
- Direct flights will enhance trade and tourism between India and the Philippines.
- IndiGo's network could connect the Philippines to its domestic routes and Middle East destinations.
Trade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque highlighted the potential benefits of these routes, emphasizing how they may link the Philippines directly to IndiGo's extensive domestic network and its routes to the Middle East.
During recent discussions in New Delhi, the DTI and IndiGo executives explored various opportunities beyond aviation. Topics included enterprise technology through InterGlobe's AI unit AIONOS and logistics tailored for economic zones.
The DTI is also looking into partnerships for pilot training and hospitality ventures, which could further solidify ties between the two nations.
In a separate development, the DTI reported securing approximately $66.78 million (around P4 billion) in new investments from Indian technology and manufacturing firms, showcasing growing interest in the Philippine market.