Four Weekly Non-Stop Services Expand Access to One of Southeast Asia’s Most Popular Leisure Destinations
Air India Express has commenced direct flights between Bengaluru and Phuket, further expanding its international footprint and reinforcing air connectivity between India and Thailand. The new four-times-weekly service is aimed at meeting growing demand for leisure travel while enhancing access to one of Asia’s most sought-after holiday destinations. The launch also underscores the airline’s broader strategy of strengthening international links from key Indian metropolitan hubs to high-demand tourism markets across Southeast Asia.
Air India Express has inaugurated direct flights connecting Bengaluru and Phuket, marking another significant milestone in the airline’s international expansion strategy and providing travellers with seamless access to Thailand’s premier island destination.
The inaugural flight departed from Bengaluru on June 1, 2026, establishing a direct air bridge between southern India and Phuket, a destination globally renowned for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife, cultural attractions, and thriving tourism economy. The service further strengthens Air India Express’ growing presence in Thailand and complements its existing daily Bengaluru–Bangkok operations.
The launch comes amid rising outbound travel demand from India to Southeast Asia, with Thailand continuing to rank among the most preferred international destinations for Indian holidaymakers, honeymooners, family travellers, and MICE groups.
Expanding International Connectivity from Bengaluru
Bengaluru has emerged as one of Air India Express’ most important operational hubs, serving as a gateway for both domestic and international traffic. The airline currently operates close to 500 weekly flights from the city, connecting passengers to 31 domestic and eight international destinations. The addition of Phuket further strengthens Bengaluru’s role as a major international departure point for leisure and business travellers.
Industry observers note that the new route reflects the broader trend among Indian carriers to expand direct international services from tier-one cities, reducing dependence on transit hubs and improving convenience for passengers seeking non-stop connectivity.
The airline stated that the Bengaluru–Phuket service forms part of its ongoing effort to enhance international connectivity from major Indian cities to high-demand destinations across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
New Route Strengthens India–Thailand Tourism Flows
Thailand remains one of the strongest outbound tourism markets for Indian travellers, supported by short travel times, visa-friendly policies, diverse tourism offerings, and competitive pricing.
The introduction of direct flights to Phuket is expected to generate additional demand for beach tourism, luxury holidays, adventure travel, wellness tourism, destination weddings, and incentive travel. Industry stakeholders believe the route will also stimulate two-way travel, creating opportunities for Thai visitors to explore southern India and beyond.
The service is particularly significant as Phuket continues to attract increasing numbers of Indian tourists seeking alternatives to traditional regional holiday destinations. Direct connectivity from Bengaluru eliminates the need for connecting flights through Bangkok or other regional hubs, reducing travel time and enhancing passenger convenience.
Flight Schedule
The Bengaluru–Phuket route operates four times weekly with the following schedule:
- Mondays and Saturdays: Bengaluru departure at 10:35, arriving Phuket at 15:50; return flight departs Phuket at 16:45 and arrives Bengaluru at 18:55.
- Fridays: Bengaluru departure at 11:25, arriving Phuket at 16:40; return departs Phuket at 17:40 and lands in Bengaluru at 19:50.
- Sundays: Bengaluru departure at 11:15, arriving Phuket at 16:30; return departs Phuket at 17:30 and arrives Bengaluru at 19:40.
Strategic Growth Amid Rising Regional Demand
The new Phuket operation aligns with Air India Express’ broader network expansion plans as the airline continues to strengthen its presence across Asia and the Middle East. The carrier has been steadily increasing direct international services to cater to the growing appetite for overseas travel among Indian consumers.
For the travel and tourism sector, enhanced direct connectivity between India and Thailand is expected to support stronger visitor flows, encourage package holiday sales, and create new opportunities for travel agencies, tour operators, hospitality providers, and destination marketing organisations in both countries.
As competition intensifies among Indian carriers on Southeast Asian routes, direct services such as Bengaluru–Phuket are increasingly becoming critical in attracting leisure travellers seeking convenience, shorter journey times, and improved travel experiences.
The latest launch further reinforces Air India Express’ commitment to expanding its international network while supporting India’s growing role as one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound tourism markets.
