Thailand Welcomes : Thailand, known for its vibrant cities and serene beaches, has opened its doors to Indian travellers this Diwali season with a special gift – a visa-free policy and direct flights. Starting from November 10, 2023, until May 2024, Indian citizens can explore the Land of Smiles without the hassle of obtaining a visa, offering an array of exciting travel opportunities.
Air Travel Connectivity to Thailand
Thailand’s decision to allow visa-free travel for Indians has sparked a surge in flight connectivity between the two nations. Leading Indian carriers such as Air India, Vistara, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have embraced this opportunity, operating flights to various destinations across Thailand. On the Thai side, airlines like Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, and Thai AirAsia have stepped up to provide convenient travel options.
This robust air travel connectivity has made the journey between India and Thailand seamless, offering Indian travelers a plethora of flight options to choose from.
Thailand Welcomes: Flight Options Galore
Data shared by OAG Aviation reveals a whopping 53,265 weekly seats available for travelers flying between India and Thailand, with 265 weekly flights shuttling between the two countries. These flights are spread across three key Thai airports: Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok-Don Mueang, and the picturesque Phuket.
Non-stop Flights from India
Indian travelers enjoy the luxury of non-stop flights to Thailand from 13 major cities in India. These cities include Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneshwar, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Gaya, Hyderabad, Bagdogra, Chennai, Lucknow, Kochi, and Jaipur. Delhi leads the pack with a whopping 71 weekly flights, followed by Mumbai with 60 weekly flights, and Kolkata with 46 non-stop options.
Interline Agreements
To offer even more flexibility to travelers, Indian carriers have entered into interline agreements with their Thai counterparts. For instance, Air India has a strategic partnership with Bangkok Air, enabling passengers to connect seamlessly to seven stunning destinations in Thailand beyond Bangkok, all on a single ticket.
Airline Dominance
The India-Thailand route boasts a blend of full-service carriers like Tata Group Airlines and Thai Airways group airlines, along with low-cost carriers such as IndiGo. Thai Airways takes the lead with a staggering 16,382 weekly seats, while IndiGo secures the second spot with 10,116 weekly seats. Thai Airways operates a commendable 68 weekly flights, with IndiGo offering 44 weekly frequencies.
Reviving India-Thailand Travel
The India-Thailand travel market experienced its zenith in Q4-CY19, with over 6 lakh passengers flying non-stop between the two nations. However, unforeseen factors such as the demise of Jet Airways and the global pandemic’s impact on travel led to a decline in traffic. The recent visa-free regime is expected to breathe new life into the India-Thailand travel sector, benefiting both Thailand’s vibrant tourism industry and airlines operating in the region.
Visa-Free Travel Benefits
The introduction of the visa-free travel option is a game-changer. It simplifies travel plans for Indian tourists, eliminating the need for extensive visa-related preparations. This makes Thailand an enticing choice for last-minute adventures, especially during the festive season like Diwali.
Unwind in Varanasi
For those who wish to extend their adventure, Varanasi beckons. With non-stop flights available from 15 Indian destinations, including our 13 earlier-mentioned cities, traveling to Varanasi after your Bangkok escapade has never been more convenient. Explore the mystical aura of Varanasi, a city rich in culture and spirituality.
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