HYDERABAD– Air India Express (IX), the budget subsidiary of India’s flag airline Air India (AI), has announced the beginning of nonstop flights from Hyderabad (HYD) to the thriving Thai city of Phuket.
The services will begin on January 31, 2025, representing a critical milestone for Air India’s budget subsidiary as it expands into Southeast Asia.
Air India Express Hyderabad to Phuket Flights
This would be the first direct trip from Hyderabad to Phuket, boosting connectivity for both leisure and business passengers.
It is also the first time Air India Express has visited this wonderful tropical destination. This decision demonstrates the airline’s desire to meet the increasing demand for travel between India and Thailand.
This action also accords with Hyderabad Airport’s objective of improving international connections from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD). GHIAL (GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited) authorities have stated that they intend to add ten new destinations from Hyderabad Airport (HYD) by 2025.
Hyderabad-Phuket Flight Schedule
Beginning January 31, 2025, the airline will operate three times weekly flights between Hyderabad (HYD) and Phuket (HKT). Flights will be operated on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The airline intends to use B737 MAX 8. The frequency will be raised to six times weekly starting February 20, 2025.
Flight schedule:
- Every Wednesday and Friday, Flight IX910 departs Hyderabad (HYD) at 12:20 pm IST. The flight arrives at Phuket (HKT) at 17:35 p.m. local time. The flight is estimated to last three hours and 45 minutes.
- Every Sunday, Flight IX910 departs Hyderabad (HYD) at 11:50 a.m. IST. The flight arrives at Phuket (HKT) at 17:05 p.m. local time. The flight is estimated to last three hours and 45 minutes.
- Every Wednesday and Friday, the return flight IX909 departs Phuket (HKT) at 18:20 pm local time. The flight arrives in Hyderabad (HYD) around 20:25 pm IST. The flight is estimated to last three hours and 35 minutes.
- Every Sunday, the return Flight IX909 leaves Phuket (HKT) at 18:05 pm local time. The flight arrives in Hyderabad (HYD) around 20:10 pm IST. The flight is estimated to last three hours and 35 minutes.
Air India Express’s First Step into Phuket
Interestingly, while Air India Express has been servicing locations in Thailand for years, including Bangkok (BKK), this is the airline’s first time in Phuket, broadening its options in the Thai market. The airline’s decision comes at a time when demand for flights to Thailand is increasing, fueled primarily by leisure visitors seeking possibilities in the region.
Speculation is rife that Air India Express intends to expand its Thailand network with a new route between Surat (STV) and Phuket. While speculations have circulated, there has been no real progress from the airline’s side.
Aviation A2Z According to sources, Air India Express is considering launching a direct flight from Bengaluru (BLR) to Phuket (HKT). However, this is not confirmed until the airline makes an official announcement.
Bottom Line
The Thai-India market is clearly expanding rapidly in terms of flight additions. Some sources recently stated that AirAsia Thailand (FD) was exploring into the Kochi (COK) and Phuket (HKT) sectors.
Thai VietJet Air (VZ) just made its debut in India, with nonstop flights between Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Mumbai (BOM) beginning December 23, 2024.
Looking ahead, Air India Express is planned to launch additional Thai-India flights. Thai VietJet, a Thai airline, plans to develop further in India with flights to cities such as Delhi (DEL), Bengaluru (BLR), and Ahmedabad (AMD), among others.
Thai AirAsia (FD) is another airline to keep track of. The airline has been expanding throughout India. Will the airline add more new routes from Phuket (HKT)?
According to early indications, 2025 will be a pivotal year for India and Thailand.