The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed Air India Express’ inaugural Visakhapatnam–Bangkok flight on 27 October, establishing a new non-stop connection from a growing economic centre in eastern India. The twice-weekly service expands Thailand’s reach beyond India’s major metropolitan centres, creating new opportunities to attract visitors during the 2026–2027 winter travel season.
Flight IX0904 arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 16.00 hrs., where a TAT delegation led by Patsee Permvongsene, Executive Director for the ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific Region, joined Rajesh Sharma and other Air India Express representatives in welcoming passengers and crew.
Patsee said, “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. Through the Amazing Thailand brand, we aim to attract high-value travellers, particularly those seeking weddings and celebrations, luxury and wellness experiences, and family holidays, with tourism products that match their interests.”
Air India Express, part of the Air India Group, operates the route twice weekly. Flight IX0904 departs Visakhapatnam at 11.35 hrs. and arrives in Bangkok at 16.00 hrs., while return flight IX0903 departs Bangkok at 02.10 hrs. and arrives in Visakhapatnam at 03.55 hrs. All times are local. The new route joins Thailand’s extensive air network with India. As of 1 October 2026, 11 airlines operate India–Thailand services, with 427 weekly flights offering 83,517 seats in October. The 2026 figures comprise 18,659 flights and 3,687,569 seats, based on schedules available at that date. Thailand’s updated entry arrangements complement improved connectivity. Since 15 September 2026, Indian passport holders have been included in the 30-day visa-exemption category, permitting visa-free stays of up to 30 days.
India remains one of Thailand’s major international tourism markets, recording 1,896,058 arrivals from 1 January to 26 October 2026. Indian visitors spend an average of 41,009 baht per person per trip and stay 6.98 nights. Independent travellers account for 70.70 per cent of the market, while 65.77 per cent are first-time visitors.