Air India Express Launches Visakhapatnam-Bangkok Flight
TAT welcomed Air India Express's inaugural Visakhapatnam-Bangkok flight on Oct 27, 2026, boosting high-value tourism from eastern India's emerging markets.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- TAT welcomed Air India Express's first Visakhapatnam-Bangkok direct flight on October 27, 2026.
- The twice-weekly service aims to capture high-value travelers from eastern India's growing economic hub.
- Indian arrivals reached 1,896,058 between Jan 1 and Oct 26, 2026, supported by 30-day visa exemptions.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), led by Mrs. Patsee Permvongsene, Executive Director for the ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific Region, alongside Air India Express representatives, greeted the inaugural flight IX0904 at Suvarnabhumi Airport on October 27, 2026. Arriving at 16.00 hrs, the non-stop service from Visakhapatnam establishes a vital connection from eastern India's rising economic center, perfectly timed for the 2026-2027 winter travel season.
This new route aligns directly with TAT’s 'Value is the New Volume' strategy, which prioritizes higher visitor spending, extended stays, and repeat visits. Targeting luxury segments, weddings, celebrations, and wellness travelers, Air India Express operates the route twice weekly. Flight IX0904 departs Visakhapatnam at 11.35 hrs and arrives in Bangkok at 16.00 hrs, while the return flight IX0903 departs Bangkok at 02.10 hrs and lands in Visakhapatnam at 03.55 hrs local time.
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Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Strengthening aviation links, Thailand's connectivity with India expanded significantly. As of October 1, 2026, eleven airlines operate India-Thailand routes, providing 427 weekly flights and 83,517 seats for October, contributing to a total of 18,659 flights and 3,687,569 scheduled seats for the year. Furthermore, Indian passport holders continue to benefit from the 30-day visa-exemption category introduced on September 15, 2026.
India remains a cornerstone international market for Thailand, recording nearly 1.9 million visitors between January 1 and October 26, 2026. Independent travelers make up 70.70% of the market, with 65.77% visiting for the first time. Leisure travel accounts for 90.82% of visits, driven by beach activities, Thai cuisine, nightlife, and spa experiences, with Bangkok, Chon Buri, Phuket, and Krabi serving as top destinations alongside emerging spots like Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai.
"India’s growing regional cities offer significant opportunities for Thailand to reach new traveller segments. The Visakhapatnam service supports our Value is the New Volume direction, focusing on higher visitor spending, longer stays and repeat visits."
Mrs. Patsee Permvongsene
Expanding regional flight connections beyond India's metropolitan hubs demonstrates TAT's targeted approach to regional tier cities. By engaging Millennials, families, and the MICE sector through strategic partnerships, Thailand aims to diversify tourism streams and reinforce its position as a secure and premier destination for international travelers.
Source: TAT Newsroom
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