Aircraft of AirAsia, a subsidiary of Capital A, are seen on the tarmac at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA2) in Sepang, Malaysia, February 26, 2024. Photo credit: REUTERS
Low-cost airline Thai AirAsia X plans to operate four weekly flights connecting Bangkok and Delhi from January 15 as it seeks to tap growing demand from India, including onward flight connections.
Thai AirAsia X, which operates a fleet of A330 aircraft, operated its first flight from Bangkok to the national capital on Sunday (December 15, 2024).
The airline’s CEO Tassapon Bijleveld said on Monday (December 16, 2024) that the bilateral flight rights between India and Thailand have been enhanced and flights to Delhi have started.
With the addition of bilateral air service agreements, the number of seats allowed to be operated by the airlines on both sides will be increased by 7,000 to 14,000 seats later.
Also, Indian citizens have visa-free entry to Thailand and India has waived the Thai tourist visa fee.
“We are seeing growing demand in the international sector, supported by measures such as visa-free entry, which have made travel more accessible and cost-effective,” Tassapon Bijleveld said.
According to him, the frequency of Bangkok-Delhi flights will be increased to four per week – Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – from January 15, 2025.
Currently, the airline operates two weekly flights between Bangkok and Delhi – on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Bijleveld said the airline expects to add about 20% of the upcoming travel demand of Indians from Bangkok to other countries with its connecting flights.
“With Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok) as one of our four major fly-through hubs, Thai AirAsia is strategically positioned to provide seamless, value-driven connectivity for Indian travelers to X Thailand and AirAsia’s network of more than 130 destinations,” he said. added .
The carrier offers 370 all-economy seats on its flights.
Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X are part of the AirAsia Group.
Currently, Thai AirAsia operates in 12 Indian cities.
Typically, Thai AirAsia operates A320 aircraft with a flight duration of four hours, while Thai AirAsia X operates flights with a flight duration of more than four hours.
published – Dec 16, 2024 04:43 pm IST