India and Thailand Ink Pact to Enhance Flight Connectivity

In a move that promises to benefit both business travelers and vacationers, India and Thailand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to significantly expand flight connectivity between the two countries.

This landmark agreement, signed in Bangkok on Friday signed just before Thailand’s general elections, aims to strengthen economic ties and cultural exchange through increased air travel.

India and Thailand signed an MoU on air services today in Bangkok. The bilateral MoU will further enhance capacities of airlines operating between the two countries, aiming at strengthing people to people & economic ties. @MEAIndia @MoCA_GoI@DGCAIndia pic.twitter.com/3g2zcD8oUf

— India in Thailand (@IndiainThailand) March 15, 2024

More Flights, More Destinations

Previously, Indian and Thai airlines offered around 75 daily flights between the two nations. With the new MoU, Indian carriers will be able to:

• Increase Frequencies: Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara can operate more flights on existing routes.
• Explore New Horizons: Four new Thai destinations will be accessible to Indian carriers, including Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, and Udon Thani.

Expansion Initiatives

With a view to amplifying flight frequencies and introducing new destinations in Thailand, both governments have consented to a phased escalation of the current seat entitlement, set at 32,000 per week.

This augmentation will unfold in two stages, each involving an increase of 7,000 seats.

Additionally, Thailand has agreed to designate four new points of call for Indian carriers, encompassing Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, and Udon Thani.

Stronger Economic and Cultural Ties

The MoU is expected to benefit both countries by:

• Facilitating Business Travel: Increased flight options will make it easier for businesspeople to travel between India and Thailand, fostering trade and investment.
• Boosting Tourism: Easier travel will attract more tourists from both countries, benefiting the hospitality industry and cultural exchange.

Visa Facilitation and Tourism Surge

It’s noteworthy to highlight that Thailand initiated a visa-free travel program for Indian travelers last November, granting them a 30-day stay until May 10. This move has notably fueled a surge in tourist arrivals from India.

Reflecting this trend, February saw a remarkable surge in Indian visitors to Thailand, reaching nearly 150,000, marking a substantial increase of 120% compared to 2019 figures, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Looking Ahead

The expanded flight connectivity between India and Thailand marks a positive step towards stronger economic and cultural ties. With more flights and new destinations to explore, travelers from both nations can look forward to a wider range of travel options in the near future.