Published on: Dec 16, 2023 at 11:19
SPT News, Kolkata, 15 December: Air India has launched Delhi-Phuket flights from today. The airline will operate the route with four flights per week from December 2023 and will increase to daily service from January 2024. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organized a special function at the airport to welcome Air India on the occasion of the inaugural flight from Delhi to Phuket. The first flight of the day AI378, landing at 07.10am, was greeted with a water cannon salute as it taxied to its gate where arriving passengers were then greeted by officials and dignitaries as well as Thai traditional dances.
Statement by Sophon Suwannarat, Governor of Phuket
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat said, “As Phuket’s high tourism season begins, along with the visa waiver, it is great to welcome Air India’s new flights which will allow direct air access for Indian travelers. This famous island resort already offers beautiful beaches and carnival magic to Indian tourists. , is a much-loved destination with numerous attractions and activities including Andamanda and Aquaria. We look forward to welcoming more Indian tourists to Phuket.”
Statement by TAT Executive Director Ms. Patsee Permbvongsenee
The Governor of Phuket presided over the welcome ceremony with TAT as well as officials and individuals from Phuket’s public and private sectors. Also present at the event, TAT Executive Director for ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific Ms. Patsee Permbvongsenee said, “Air India‟s nonstop service will provide a convenient connection between Delhi and the world -famous resort island of Phuket, which is well-established as a favourite destination for Indian travellers. Now especially is an opportune time for Indian travellers to visit Thailand to take advantage of the temporary tourist visa exemption which is available until 10 May 2024.”
Some important information about Delhi-Phuket Air India flight
Starting from 15 December 2023, Air India will operate the Delhi-Phuket route with four flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. From January 2024, the service will become a daily operation. The flight will be operated with an A320 Neo aircraft with 162 seats including 150 in Economy and 12 in Business Class. Flight AI 378 will depart from Delhi at 01.10 hrs. 07.10 hours to reach Phuket on the same day. The return flight AI 379 will take off from Phuket at 08.10 hrs and land in Delhi at 10.50 hrs on the same day.
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Air India’s expansion plans
Air India currently operates 26 flights per week to Bangkok, including daily nonstop flights from Delhi and Mumbai and six flights per week from Kolkata. The New Delhi-Phuket service will provide a convenient air link between the two cities for tourism and trade, while further strengthening Air India’s expansion plans in East Asia and Southeast Asia.
Increase in number of flights during visa exemption period
Air India’s latest connection between Delhi and Phuket is part of 2,438,043 air-seat capacity between Thailand and India in 2023, representing a 77% rebound from the pre-pandemic year in 2019. Specifically, during the six-month visa exemption period (November 2023 to May 2024), the number of flights between the two countries will increase by 3.4% to 6,263 flights, while the number of seats will increase by about 1.27% to 1,312,649 seats.
Hopeful Tourism Authority of Thailand or TAT
TAT expects the visa exemption will stimulate Indian travelers to travel more to Thailand and has initiated promotional activities to boost interest. From now till 31 March 2024, TAT New Delhi office offers a customized subsidy for corporate and incentive groups as well as weddings and celebrations. Meanwhile, the TAT Mumbai office will promote special tour packages with partners for revisits and golfers and simultaneously launching various promotional schemes to increase market awareness of Thailand as a wedding destination.
India is the fourth largest source
From 1 January to 10 December 2023, Thailand recorded 1,506,287 arrivals from India, making it the fourth largest source of visitors. The number already surpassed TAT’s “best case” scenario projected at 1,425,000 visitors for the entire year.
Fuelled by the visa exemption, TAT expects the number of Indian tourists between November to December 2023 to increase by 4.3% or 70,000 travelers, bringing the total number for the entire year to 1,664,483.
vPublished on: Dec 16, 2023 at 11:19
