Diwali 2023: Explore direct flights to visa-free Thailand this Diwali
Thailand's decision to allow visa-free travel for Indians has opened up exciting travel opportunities for Diwali and beyond. Here's a look at the flight connectivity and options for your next Thai adventure.
Thailand Welcomes Indian Travelers
Starting from November 10, 2023, until May 2024, Thailand has introduced a visa-free policy for Indian citizens. This move aims to boost tourism and enhance the relationship between the two nations. Thailand has always been a popular destination for Indian travelers, offering diverse attractions, from vibrant cities to serene beaches.
Air Travel Connectivity
Indian carriers such as Air India, Vistara, IndiGo, and SpiceJet operate flights to various destinations in Thailand. On the Thai side, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, and Thai AirAsia provide travel options. This connectivity has made travel between India and Thailand seamless and accessible.
Flight Options
Data shared by OAG Aviation shows that there are 53,265 weekly seats available for travelers flying between India and Thailand, with 265 weekly flights operating in both directions. These flights connect three airports in Thailand: Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok - Don Mueang, and Phuket.
Non-stop Flights from India
Indian travelers have the convenience of non-stop flights to Thailand from 13 cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneshwar, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Gaya, Hyderabad, Bagdogra, Chennai, Lucknow, Kochi, and Jaipur. Delhi leads with the highest connectivity, offering 71 weekly flights, followed by Mumbai with 60 weekly flights, and Kolkata with 46.
Interline Agreements
To provide more options to customers, Indian carriers offer flights to Thailand with stops in Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata. Air India, for instance, has entered into an interline agreement with Bangkok Air, allowing passengers to connect to seven destinations in Thailand beyond Bangkok, all on a single ticket.
Airline Dominance
The India-Thailand route features a mix of full-service carriers (Tata group Airlines and Thai Airways group airlines) and low-cost carriers like IndiGo. Thai Airways operates the most seats at 16,382, with IndiGo as the second-largest with 10,116 weekly seats. Thai Airways runs 68 weekly flights, while Indigo operates 44 weekly frequencies.
Reviving India-Thailand Travel
The India-Thailand travel market experienced its peak in Q4-CY19, with over 6 lakh passengers flying non-stop between the two countries. However, factors such as the fall of Jet Airways and the impact of COVID-19 have led to a reduction in traffic. The recent visa-free regime is expected to help boost travel between the two nations, benefitting both Thailand's tourism sector and airlines operating in the region.
Visa-Free Travel Benefits
The visa-free travel option not only simplifies travel plans for Indian tourists but also saves time and money associated with obtaining a visa. Travelers can explore Thailand without the need for extensive planning, making it an attractive choice for last-minute adventures.
Unwind in Varanasi
For those interested in visiting Varanasi after their Bangkok trip, there are non-stop flights available from 15 Indian destinations to Varanasi, providing more travel possibilities for your itinerary.
As Thailand opens its doors to Indian travelers with this special visa-free policy, this Diwali and beyond, a memorable journey awaits.
- PTC NEWS
