The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organized a special airport ceremony to celebrate the inaugural flight from Delhi (DEL) to Phuket (HKT) by Tata-owned Air India (AI). The post Air India Inaugurates New International Flight from Delhi to Phuket...
PHUKET, THAILAND- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organized a special airport ceremony to celebrate the inaugural flight from Delhi (DEL) to Phuket (HKT) by Tata-owned Air India (AI).
The first flight, AI378, touched down at 07:10 Hrs. and received a warm welcome with a water cannon salute as it taxied to its gate. Upon arrival, passengers were greeted by officials, notable figures, and traditional Thai dance performances.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh Tekriwal
Air India Delhi to Phuket Flight
Commencing on December 15, 2023, Air India will initiate four weekly flights on the Delhi-Phuket route, scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. By January 2024, the service will transition to a daily operation.
The flights will be operated using an Airbus A320neo aircraft, equipped with 162 seats, including 150 in Economy and 12 in Business Class.
Flight AI 378 will depart from Delhi at 01:10 Hrs., reaching Phuket on the same day at 07:10 Hrs. The return flight, AI 379, will take off from Phuket at 08:10 Hrs. and arrive in Delhi at 10:50 Hrs. on the same day.
In addition to the existing 26 flights to Bangkok per week, featuring daily nonstop flights from Delhi and Mumbai, along with six flights per week from Kolkata, Air India’s new Delhi-Phuket service will establish a convenient air link between the two cities for tourism and trade. This initiative aligns with Air India’s East and Southeast Asian expansion strategy.
Photo: TAT
Executive Remarks
Mr. Sophon Suwannarat, Governor of Phuket, expressed enthusiasm, stating,
“With Phuket’s peak tourism season commencing and the visa exemption in place, we are thrilled to welcome Air India’s new flights, providing direct air access for Indian travelers. This renowned island resort is already a cherished destination for Indian visitors, offering stunning beaches and a myriad of attractions and activities, including Carnival Magic, Andamanda, and Aquaria. We eagerly anticipate hosting an increased number of Indian travelers in Phuket.”
The Governor of Phuket led the welcome ceremony alongside officials, dignitaries from TAT, and representatives from Phuket’s public and private sectors. Mrs. Patsee Permvongsenee, TAT Executive Director of ASEAN, South Asia, and South Pacific Region, also attended the event, emphasizing,
“Air India’s nonstop service establishes a convenient link between Delhi and the globally renowned resort island of Phuket, a well-established favorite among Indian travelers. Now is an opportune time for Indian travelers to explore Thailand, taking advantage of the temporary tourist visa exemption available until May 10, 2024.”
Photo: TAT
TAT Expects More Indian Travelers
Air India’s recently established route connecting Delhi and Phuket contributes to the overall air-seat capacity between Thailand and India in 2023, totaling 2,438,043 seats. This marks a substantial 77% rebound from the pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Notably, during the six-month visa exemption period from November 2023 to May 2024, the number of flights linking the two nations is anticipated to rise by 3.4% to 6,263 flights, while the seating capacity is expected to grow by approximately 1.27% to 1,312,649 seats.
In response to the visa exemption, TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) anticipates a surge in Indian travelers to Thailand and has initiated promotional activities to stimulate interest. Until March 31, 2024, the TAT New Delhi Office is offering a customized subsidy for corporate and incentive groups, weddings, and celebrations.
Simultaneously, the TAT Mumbai Office is set to promote special tour packages with partners, particularly targeting revisits and golfers. Additionally, various publicity projects will be launched to enhance awareness of Thailand as a preferred wedding destination.
From January 1 to December 10, 2023, Thailand recorded 1,506,287 arrivals from India, positioning it as the fourth largest source of visitors. Notably, this figure has already surpassed TAT’s ‘best case’ scenario projection of 1,425,000 visitors for the entire year.
Fueled by the visa exemption, TAT anticipates a 4.3% increase in the number of Indian tourists between November and December 2023, amounting to 70,000 additional travelers. This surge is expected to bring the total number for the entire year to 1,664,483.
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