Low-Cost Carrier Strengthens Southeast Asia Network With Five Weekly Services to Phuket
GURUGRAM — Air India Express has launched direct flights between Bengaluru and Phuket, expanding its Thailand network and strengthening its presence in one of India’s fastest-growing international leisure travel markets.
The inaugural service departed Bengaluru on June 1, marking the airline’s latest international route from southern India. The carrier will operate flights on five days each week, giving travelers direct access to Phuket, Thailand’s largest island and one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destinations.
The new service comes as Indian airlines continue to increase connectivity to leisure destinations across Southeast Asia amid rising outbound travel demand from Indian tourists.
Phuket Becomes Latest Addition to Expanding Thailand Network
The Bengaluru–Phuket route builds on Air India Express’ broader expansion strategy in Thailand. The airline had earlier launched direct flights between Bengaluru and Bangkok in October 2025 and already operates services connecting Hyderabad and Phuket.
By adding Phuket from Bengaluru, the carrier is targeting leisure travelers seeking convenient access to beach destinations in Thailand without relying on connecting flights through other regional hubs.
The airline said the new route aligns with its strategy of linking major Indian cities with high-demand holiday destinations across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Bengaluru remains one of the airline’s most important operational centers. Air India Express currently operates nearly 500 weekly flights from the city, connecting passengers to 31 domestic and eight international destinations.
The scale of operations has positioned Bengaluru as a major launch point for the airline’s international expansion plans.
Airline Continues Network and Brand Expansion
The latest route launch also comes during a period of rapid brand and operational growth for Air India Express.
The carrier was recently named “Airline of the Year” in both domestic and international categories at Bengaluru Airport’s Pinnacle Awards. It also received the Domestic Connectivity Award at Wings India 2026, an aviation industry event organized by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India, and FICCI.
The airline said the recognition reflects its growing role in improving regional and international air connectivity.
Air India Express has also recently expanded its marketing efforts with the launch of its “Xpress Wali Baat Hai” campaign featuring Indian actor Pankaj Tripathi. The campaign highlights onboard offerings including hot meals under its “Gourmair” service, comfortable seating, and Indian-style hospitality.
Phuket Remains One of Thailand’s Biggest Tourism Draws
Located in the Andaman Sea off Thailand’s southwest coast, Phuket remains one of the country’s most visited tourist destinations. The island covers approximately 543 square kilometers and is connected to mainland Thailand by a bridge at its northern end.
The destination attracts millions of international visitors each year because of its beaches, nightlife, water sports, and tourism infrastructure. Phuket International Airport also serves as one of Thailand’s busiest gateways for international leisure travel.
Tourism in Phuket spans a wide range of traveler budgets, from backpackers and budget tourists to luxury resort visitors. Accommodation options range from low-cost hostels to high-end beachfront resorts.
While Patong Beach remains the island’s busiest tourism center, quieter areas including Kata Noi, Kamala, Surin, and Cape Panwa continue to attract travelers looking for a more relaxed experience.
Beaches and Tourism Infrastructure Continue to Drive Demand
Phuket’s west coast is home to many of the island’s best-known beaches.
Karon Beach, stretching nearly three kilometers, remains popular among families because of its broad sandy shoreline and relatively calm surf conditions. Nearby Kata Beach and Kata Noi are also widely known for swimming and snorkeling.
Patong Beach continues to serve as the center of Phuket’s nightlife industry, particularly around Bangla Road, where restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues attract large numbers of tourists year-round.
Other destinations such as Freedom Beach, Surin Beach, Kamala Beach, Bang Tao, and Nai Harn offer quieter alternatives and have become increasingly popular among travelers seeking less crowded locations.
The island’s tourism appeal is further supported by modern infrastructure, including hospitals, road networks, and international hospitality services designed to accommodate visitors throughout the year.
The peak tourism season in Phuket typically runs from November through March, though the island continues to receive visitors during other periods because of its tropical climate and year-round tourism industry.
