Air India Express has inaugurated a direct air link between Visakhapatnam and Bangkok, adding a new gateway from eastern India to Thailand. The twice-weekly service, which began on 27 October 2026, is part of a broader effort by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to tap into emerging Indian source markets beyond the traditional metros.
The inaugural flight IX0904 touched down at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport at 16:00 local time. A TAT delegation, led by Patsee Permvongsene, Executive Director for the ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific Region, was on hand to welcome passengers alongside representatives from Air India Express.
Permvongsene highlighted the significance of the route, noting that India's regional cities offer a fresh pool of potential travellers. "This new connection from Visakhapatnam opens up opportunities to attract visitors who may not have previously considered Thailand," she said. The service aligns with TAT's strategy to court high-value tourists and diversify its Indian visitor base.
Route details and schedule
The Air India Express service operates twice a week, with flight IX0904 departing Visakhapatnam at 11:35 and arriving in Bangkok at 16:00. The return leg, IX0905, leaves Bangkok at 02:10 and lands back in Visakhapatnam at 03:55. All times are local.
Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of the Air India Group, will deploy its Boeing 737 fleet on the route. The carrier's expansion into secondary Indian cities reflects a wider trend among airlines to serve demand beyond the major hubs.
The new route adds to Thailand's already extensive air network with India. As of October 2026, 11 airlines operate 427 weekly flights between the two countries, offering a total of 83,517 seats. This capacity boost comes ahead of the winter travel season, a peak period for Indian outbound tourism.
India remains a key source market
India continues to be a vital market for Thai tourism. From January to October 2026, Thailand welcomed nearly 1.9 million Indian visitors. Many of these travellers are independent, drawn by beach holidays, Thai cuisine, and spa experiences. The visa-free policy for Indian passport holders, effective since 15 September 2026, allows stays of up to 30 days, further easing travel.
TAT is actively promoting Thailand in major Indian cities, with a focus on high-spending travellers and the MICE sector. The authority is partnering with airlines and tour operators to develop tailored packages and incentives. The Visakhapatnam route is expected to support these efforts by providing a direct link for business and leisure travellers alike.
The launch also complements other developments in the region. For instance, Indian festive travel is shifting toward experience-led trips, a trend that aligns with Thailand's offerings. Additionally, the hospitality sector is expanding in India, with LXR Hotels & Resorts debuting in Bengaluru, which could further stimulate outbound travel demand.
Air India Group has been investing in its network and services, including enhanced dining on UK routes and a new MRO facility in Delhi. These moves underscore the group's commitment to improving the passenger experience and operational efficiency.
For travel professionals, the new Visakhapatnam-Bangkok service represents an opportunity to tap into a less-served corridor. Agents and tour operators can now offer direct connections from eastern India, potentially opening up new itineraries and packages. The route also strengthens Thailand's position as a leading destination for Indian travellers, with its mix of culture, beaches, and value-for-money experiences.
