Here are the 10 Key Point about Visa-Free Thailand: 110 Flights Weekly to Meet Indian Demand:
- Visa-Free Policy Extension: Thailand’s visa-free arrival policy for Indians, initially introduced in November 2023, is now indefinite, fueling a surge in travel demand.
- Massive Flight Expansion: By January 2025, airlines will add up to 110 new weekly flights between India and Thailand, significantly enhancing connectivity.
- Increased Seat Capacity: The expansion will add nearly 19,848 additional weekly seats, catering to the growing number of travelers in both directions.
- New Airline Entrants: Thai VietJet, Nok Air, and Air India Express are among the new players entering the market, enhancing route options and competition.
- Expanded Network: The India-Thailand route now spans 32 airport pairs, linking 18 Indian cities to key Thai destinations, including Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang) and Phuket.
- Tourism Surge: By October 2024, Thailand welcomed 1.64 million Indian tourists, with year-end arrivals projected to surpass the pre-pandemic record of 1.96 million.
- Tier-II City Connections: Emerging hubs like Surat and Pune are gaining direct connectivity to Thailand, though secondary Thai cities remain unexplored by Indian airlines.
- Market Competition: IndiGo leads in flight frequency, while Thai Airways dominates seat capacity. Indian carriers currently control 42% of all flights and 39.8% of seats.
- India vs. China Comparison: India is closing the gap with China as a key source market. India-Thailand flights have increased by 14% in frequency and 11% in seat capacity compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- Affordability and Demand: Airfares to Thailand remain 16% lower than last year, driving demand. Bookings to Phuket have surged 2.3x year-on-year, as Indian travelers favor Thailand over pricier destinations like the Maldives.
India-Thailand Travel Corridor Soars with Visa-Free Policy Extension
The India-Thailand travel corridor is experiencing unprecedented growth, fueled by Thailand’s indefinite extension of its visa-free arrival policy for Indian travelers. Initially introduced in November 2023 for a six-month trial, the policy has been extended multiple times, culminating in a permanent decision by November 2024, according to Hindustan Times. This strategic move has sparked a surge in travel demand, prompting airlines to add up to 110 weekly flights by January 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
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Boost in Flights and Capacity
Aviation analytics firm Cirium reports that the expanded network will add approximately 19,848 weekly seats in both directions. New entrants such as Thai VietJet and Nok Air, along with Air India Express, are driving the surge. Air India Express plans to launch flights between Surat, Pune, and Bangkok in December, further enhancing connectivity.
Expanding Air Network
The India-Thailand route now connects 32 airport pairs, linking 18 Indian cities with three major Thai destinations:
- Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport)
- Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport)
- Phuket
While Indian carriers dominate routes from Tier-I cities like Mumbai and Delhi, Tier-II cities such as Surat and Pune are emerging as new connectivity hubs. However, Indian airlines have yet to explore Thailand’s secondary cities, which remain untapped for future growth, according to Hindustan Times.
Surging Tourist Arrivals
By October 2024, Thailand had recorded 1.64 million Indian tourist arrivals, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. With the peak wedding season, honeymoon travel, and the year-end holiday rush, arrivals are expected to surpass the pre-pandemic record of 1.96 million Indian tourists.
New Airlines and Routes Fuel Growth
Of the 110 new weekly flights, 91 are attributed to new airlines or city pairs. Notable entrants include:
- Thai VietJet, a subsidiary of VietJet, expanding in India.
- Nok Air, re-entering the market with targeted services.
- Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air, leveraging their parent companies’ regional presence.
Indian carriers like IndiGo and Air India have also expanded operations. IndiGo, now the leading Indian airline on the route, offers 84 weekly flights, including a new Pune-Bangkok route. Air India Express is also increasing its reach from Tier-II cities.
Competitive Market Dynamics
While IndiGo leads in frequency, Thai Airways dominates seat capacity with its wide-body aircraft. Thai AirAsia ranks third in both frequency and seat share. Indian carriers currently operate 42% of all flights and control 39.8% of the available seats between the two nations, indicating room for further expansion.
India vs. China: A Growing Rivalry
India is rapidly closing the gap with China, traditionally Thailand’s largest tourism source. India-Thailand routes now account for 369 weekly departures and 73,422 seats, reflecting a 14% rise in frequency and an 11% increase in seat capacity compared to pre-pandemic levels. By contrast, China’s routes remain 8% and 13% below pre-COVID levels.
Changing Preferences and Rising Demand
Indian travelers are increasingly favoring Thailand over destinations like the Maldives due to affordability. Cleartrip reports a 2.3x increase in bookings to Phuket year-on-year. Despite rising demand, airfares to Thailand remain 16% lower than last year, maintaining its reputation as a budget-friendly destination.
Outlook for the Future
Thailand’s focus on attracting Indian tourists has paid off, with bilateral agreements enabling increased flight frequencies. As airlines and governments collaborate to meet surging demand, the market’s potential for further growth remains robust.
For Indian tourists, Thailand continues to offer an irresistible blend of leisure, culture, shopping, and entertainment, solidifying its position as a top international destination.
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