Air India Express Varanasi Bangkok flights will commence on February 1, 2026, strengthening air connectivity between Thailand and Uttar Pradesh. The weekly non-stop service is designed to improve international access from Varanasi while supporting two-way leisure, spiritual, and cultural travel between India and Thailand.
Boosting leisure and Buddhist circuit travel
The new route will provide travellers from Varanasi with direct access to Bangkok, one of Asia’s most popular leisure destinations. At the same time, it offers visitors from Thailand convenient connectivity to Varanasi, Sarnath, and other key destinations on India’s Buddhist travel circuit. Bookings for the new service are now open via the airline’s website, mobile application, and major booking platforms.
| Schedule effective from February 1st, 2026 (all timings local) | ||||
| Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Frequency |
| Varanasi | Bangkok | 12:35 | 18:05 | Sunday |
| Bangkok | Varanasi | 19:05 | 21:35 | Sunday |
Strategic focus on non-metro international connectivity
Commenting on the launch, Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, highlighted the airline’s network strategy.
“The introduction of this non-stop service to Bangkok provides seamless access to one of India’s most sought-after international destinations. It aligns with our strategic focus on enhancing direct international connectivity from the nation’s rapidly growing non-metro and Tier-II cities.
For inbound travellers, the service strengthens access to Varanasi – one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities and widely regarded as India’s spiritual capital – while further developing the Buddhist travel circuit for visitors from Thailand.
This new connection reflects our credo of expanding the network with meaningful connections, supporting our commitment to deliver greater convenience and value to our guests.”
Expanding Air India Express presence in Thailand
The launch of Air India Express Varanasi Bangkok flights further expands the airline’s footprint in Thailand. Air India Express currently operates services connecting Bangkok with Bengaluru, Lucknow, Pune, and Surat, while also flying directly between Hyderabad and Phuket, reinforcing its position in the India–Thailand travel corridor.
Strengthening operations from Varanasi
This new international service enhances Air India Express’ operations from Varanasi, where the airline currently operates more than 70 weekly flights. These services connect the city with Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Air India Express was the first airline to introduce international operations from Varanasi, launching direct flights to Sharjah in August 2015 and positioning the city on the international aviation map. Within Uttar Pradesh, the airline also operates from Ayodhya, Hindon, and Lucknow.
Enhanced onboard experience and brand positioning
Air India Express has recently introduced a refreshed cabin experience on its Boeing 737-8 aircraft, alongside its latest brand campaign, ‘Xplore More, Xpress More’. The upgraded cabins feature seats with improved padding, thicker armrests, and enhanced legroom ranging from 29 to 38 inches. Each seat includes in-seat USB charging ports, while ovens onboard enable the service of hot ‘Gourmair’ meals. The aircraft interiors also feature new carpets and Boeing Sky Interior mood lighting, delivering a modern and welcoming ambience.
Celebrating Indian culture through aircraft design
The airline’s ‘Tales of India’ initiative showcases India’s artistic heritage through tail art inspired by regional crafts and traditions. Over 50 indigenous art forms from 25 states are represented across the fleet, including Banarasi weave and Chikankari embroidery, reinforcing the airline’s cultural identity.
Comprehensive connectivity from Varanasi
From Varanasi, Air India Express operates over 70 weekly flights with direct connectivity to Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, and international services to Bangkok and Sharjah. The airline also provides one-stop access to 30 domestic destinations and eight international destinations, supporting Varanasi’s role as a growing aviation gateway for northern India.
