Thailand’s Tourism Ministry said in November that it will prolong the visa-free entrance program for Indian travelers indefinitely.
KOCHI – Thai AirAsia (FD), Thailand’s low-cost carrier, plans to launch direct flights between Kochi (COK) and Phuket (HKT), a popular tourist destination in Thailand, soon.
Phuket, known for its magnificent beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural appeal, has long been a favorite destination among Indian tourists.
Thai AirAsia Phuket to Kochi Flight
If the new connection is launched, it will create exciting potential for Kerala’s tourism flow. The connection may also improve India’s expanding ties with Thailand.
This would be a significant step forward for Kochi Airport, which is continuing to develop its international connections. If launched, Kochi will have a direct connection to the popular tourist destination of Phuket for the first time.
Kochi will also be the first and only city in Kerala with a direct connectivity to Phuket, the Pearl of the Andaman.
Thailand’s Tourism Ministry said in November that it will prolong the visa-free entrance program for Indian travelers indefinitely. Initially, authorities scheduled visa-free immigration for Indians to terminate on November 11, 2024.
This approach will help Thailand attract more Indian tourists. This could possibly be one of the primary reasons why airlines are adding new flights between the two countries.
Kochi-Phuket Flights
Cochin Aviation on X (previously known as Twitter) claimed that Thai AirAsia (FD) plans to launch a non-stop flight between Kochi (COK) and Phuket (HKT) in April 2025.
The airline apparently intends to fly three weekly flights to Kochi (COK) on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The airline plans to deploy Airbus A320 planes in the sector. According to sources, bookings will commence in mid-January 2025.
Thai AirAsia (FD) now operates nonstop flights between Kochi (COK) and Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). The airline uses Airbus A320 aircraft to fly from Kochi (COK) to Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK) every day. Phuket would be the airline’s second destination from Kochi.
Thai AirAsia’s growing presence in India
Thai AirAsia (FD) operates 25 domestic and 47 overseas destinations in 17 countries as of December 2024. The airline flies to 11 Indian locations from Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK) and Phuket (HKT).
Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok serves as the largest base for Thai AirAsia (FD). The airport is one of two international airports that serve Thailand’s capital, Bangkok.
The airline also has secondary bases in Chiang Mai (CNX), Krabi (KBV), and Phuket (HKT), among other locations. However, the airline has recently expanded from its hub in Phuket (HKT).
Thai AirAsia recently increased its foothold in India by establishing new routes from Phuket. The airline began flying to two major Indian cities. In October 2024, the airline began daily flights to Kolkata (CCU) and thrice-weekly flights to Chennai (MAA), marking the carrier’s first flights from Phuket to India.
Building on this momentum, Thai AirAsia is looking into Kochi (COK) as its next prospective destination from Phuket. Given Kochi’s prominence as Kerala’s gateway and a famous tourist destination, this route might be an excellent addition. If it goes ahead, it will not only benefit travelers, but also tourism and connectivity between the two countries.