Latest news with #directflights
Skift
15 hours ago
- Business
- Skift
Air India's Delhi-Manila Nonstop to Power Philippines' Visa-Free Push
Direct flights and visa waivers won't fix everything, but they're a start. If the Philippines wants more Indian travelers, this is the way forward. Now if only the numbers follow the policies. Starting October 1, Air India will operate direct flights between Delhi and Manila five days a week. This makes it the only airline offering non-stop service between India and the Philippines. For Indian travelers, it opens up the Philippines as a more viable destination at a time when Southeast Asia is becoming more competitive and accessible. Last month, the Philippines introduced visa-free entry for Indian tourists for up to 14 days. Air India's route is also about economics. Bilateral trade between India and the Philippines reached $3.53 billion in 2023-24 — nearly double the figure from 2015-16. As companies look for new markets, direct connectivity becomes a logistical asset. Campbell Wilson, Air India's CEO and managing director, said: 'The introduction of our Delhi-Manila route is yet another step in our mission to connect India with more of the world, non-stop. As outbound travel from India grows at an unprecedented pace... the new entry rules for Indian tourists are a shot in the arm to boost tourism to the Philippines.' Air India said the route would also create one-stop access to Manila for passengers from Europe and the Gulf via Delhi, expanding the Philippines' visibility on wider travel itineraries. Philippines Tourism Looking to Diversify The Philippines is trying to balance its inbound tourism portfolio. It saw a steep decline in Chinese tourist arrivals post-Covid. Against a target of 2 million Chinese visitors in 2024, only 300,000 came. The shortfall was stark. Speaking at the Skift Asia Forum last month, Tourism Secretary of the Republic of the Philippines, Christina Garcia Frasco, said: 'The lesson that we learned from that is to really diversify our dependency into other markets as well.' India has emerged as a clear focus. With an expanding middle class, strong outbound travel growth, and a reputation for higher spending tourists, Indian travelers fit the bill. In 2024, 79,000 Indian travelers visited the Philippines — a 12% increase over the previous year, but still modest compared to other Southeast Asian countries. The aim is to close that gap. At the forum, Frasco also spoke about conscious efforts being made to increase direct connectivity from all over the world to the Philippines. She added that she is hopeful of direct flights between India and the Philippines 'very soon.' Visa-Free Entry for Indians Earlier this month, the Philippines rolled out visa-free access for Indian passport holders. 14-day visa-free entry for all Indian tourists entering through regular means (non-extendable). 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens holding valid visas or residence permits for the U.S., U.K., Canada, Schengen countries, Australia, Japan, or Singapore. An e-visa option also remains available. For Indian tourists used to long processing times and uncertain approvals in the region, this move lowers a major barrier. Rajeev Kale, president and country head – holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook (India) called the announcement 'a strategic move' to unlock the potential of India's powerful and rapidly growing outbound market. 'As a fresh and emerging hotspot in the short to mid-haul Southeast Asian corridor, the Philippines represents an attractive product and price proposition for Indian travelers,' Kale said. Digital Nomads, Weddings, and More However, Philippines is not just targeting leisure tourism. The destination is also building a digital nomad visa program, aimed at long-term visitors who can work remotely and contribute to the local economy. Frasco explained that this move is about sustainability and quality: 'The plan is to woo quality travelers who respect sustainability efforts and benefit the country through high tourism spending and repeat visits.' The government is also marketing the country as a wedding and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destination for the Indian market. This includes infrastructure improvements, Muslim-friendly tourism options, and better Wi-Fi across more than 90 destinations. Maria Margarita Nograles, chief operating officer of the Tourism Promotions Board, said, 'We are now looking at India and we are working closely together.' Philippines Tourism Secretary at the Skift Asia Forum Christina Garcia Frasco, tourism secretary of the Republic of the Philippines, spoke at the Skift Asia Forum in May 2025.
News.com.au
28-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Qantas announces direct flights between Newcastle and Perth
Qantas has announced its first direct flights between Perth and Newcastle, cutting out a lengthy drive for travellers commuting between the cities. The New QantasLink route launching on September 8 will make it easier for Aussies looking to travel to and from the east and west coast, with flights operating three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. The five-hour direct flight is set to save commuters time, as a flight or lengthy drive between Newcastle and Sydney will no longer be required. The route will be chartered by a 150-seat Airbus A319, meaning that 900 seats are available per week and more than 45,000 annually to and from Western Australia. Perth is the fifth most travelled-to destination for people in the Newcastle Airport catchment, and a Newcastle Airport survey in July last year revealed that an overwhelming 97 per cent of respondents said they would likely travel to Perth if direct flights were available. The new Perth service is forecast to inject about $21.7m into the Newcastle economy each year and create 74 new jobs. Newcastle Airport chief executive Linc Horton said the 'direct to Perth' service was necessary for the region. 'We've worked hard to secure this route because it's one our community and extended region needs,' Mr Horton said. 'The five-hour service saves travellers a lengthy drive to Sydney and connects Newcastle and the Greater Hunter directly with WA's resources sector, creating enormous potential for business travel and fly-in fly-out operations. 'It also brings loved ones together and unlocks international one-stop connections via Perth to cities like London, Paris, Johannesburg and seasonal to Rome. 'Western Australia is a vital part of Australia's economy, and this service gives the Hunter's businesses and workers faster, easier access to it. It also supports our strategy to strengthen the airport's role as a key economic enabler for the region. 'The benefits aren't just outbound. With direct access to the Hunter, Perth-based travellers now have easier reach to a region known for wine, coastlines, defence and energy innovation.' Port Stephens Mayor and Newcastle Airport director Leah Anderson said the region deserved direct flights to Perth. 'It's about time saved, convenience gained and opportunities unlocked. For the people of Newcastle, Port Stephens, the Greater Hunter and south through to the Central Coast, whether it's for FIFO work, family reunions or seeing more of Australia – this new route makes travel easier and more accessible,' she said. Qantas will also reinstate a direct Perth-to-Hobart service for the first time since 2023, operating three times a week most months of the year. Flights between Perth and Hobart will begin from September 26 and will be available year-round outside of May, June and August. The flights, also chartered by A319 aircraft, are available on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays and will add an additional 32,000 seats annually. The services will be available for booking on from Thursday morning, with economy launch fares starting from $299 Perth-Newcastle one-way and $299 Perth-Hobart one-way. The sale ends 11.59pm AEST on Monday, June 2, unless sold out prior. QantasLink chief executive Rachel Yangoyan said the company was proud to be supporting WA's resource and tourism sector. 'These direct services will not only boost inbound visitors to WA but offer more opportunities for those working in the resource sectors across the country with improved options for their travel,' she said.
New York Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
This Italian Port City Transformed Its Identity. Here Come the Tourists.
Antonio Maria Vasile began working two years ago to connect the United States directly with Puglia, the heel of Italy's boot where many Italian Americans can trace their heritage. Mr. Vasile, the head of Puglia's airports, tried to convince carriers that they should set their sights not on Naples or Sicily but on Bari, arguing that the regional capital offered rich culture, history and cuisine worthy of their time and money. 'We don't want to be relegated to being the south,' he said, referring to deeply ingrained biases in Italy against the more economically disadvantaged regions south of Rome. His efforts paid off late last year, when the Italian carrier Neos announced direct flights between Bari and New York's Kennedy Airport beginning the first week in June, the first ever route linking Puglia to the United States. The seasonal flights will run once a week through October. Mr. Vasile sees opportunities for all of Puglia, from farmhouse inns to seaside villages, but also for his city of about 330,000 people. 1/8 mile Adriatic Sea Corso Antonio DE Tullio Basilica of St. Nicholas Castello Normanno Svevo Cathedral of St. Sabino Old Bari ARCO BASSO Bari Map data from OpenStreetMap Rome Adriatic Sea ITALY PUGLIA Bari Naples Tyrrhenian Sea SICILY 100 miles By The New York Times Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Travel Daily News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
APG selected by Uganda Airlines as General Sales Agent in the UK
APG becomes Uganda Airlines' UK GSA ahead of Entebbe–London Gatwick launch, supporting sales, marketing, and trade engagement for the new route. APG announce its appointment as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Uganda Airlines in the United Kingdom, ahead of the airline's upcoming launch of direct flights between Entebbe and London Gatwick. Uganda Airlines will commence this long-anticipated route on May 18, 2025, with four weekly non-stop flights, further expanding its international footprint and offering a direct link between Uganda and the UK for the first time in over two decades. Under this new agreement, APG will be responsible for providing full sales and marketing services as well as reservation support in the UK market. APG will also support Uganda Airlines with travel trade engagement and promotional initiatives designed to drive awareness and sales of the new route. The new service will be operated using Uganda Airlines' state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo, offering athree-class configuration: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy – catering to both leisure and corporate travelers. Richard Burgess, President of APG Network, commented: 'We are delighted to be representing Uganda Airlines in the UK at such a pivotal moment in their international expansion. The launch of direct Entebbe–London Gatwick flights is a significant development for travel and trade relations between the two countries, and APG looks forward to ensuring the success of this new route in the UK market.' This partnership further reinforces APG's ongoing mission to support airline growth worldwide through expert local representation and a full suite of services tailored to airline partners.
Gulf Business
22-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Date announced: flydubai to resume flights to Damascus
Image credit: WAM/Website flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has announced the launch of direct flights to Damascus starting June 1, 2025. Read- 'We are very pleased to be the first national carrier to resume flights to Syria after 12 years of halted operations. Damascus holds significant cultural and historical importance in the region, and we are excited to serve the city again with a direct daily service. This move highlights our commitment to supporting the United Arab Emirates' efforts to foster regional connectivity,' said Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai. Damascus: One of the first flydubai destinations Damascus was one of flydubai's original destinations, with service first launched in June 2009—nearly 16 years ago. The decision to restart operations follows the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority's (GCAA) announcement in April 2025 allowing the resumption of flights between the two countries. 'The relaunch of flights to Damascus will offer passengers from the UAE and across our network convenient travel options to the Syrian market. After working closely with the relevant authorities to meet all necessary operational standards, we look forward to welcoming passengers back on board just in time for the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday and peak summer travel season,' said Jeyhun Efendi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai.
