Air India Express has commenced direct flight operations between Bengaluru and Phuket, further strengthening its international network and expanding connectivity between India and Thailand.
The inaugural flight departed from Bengaluru today, marking the launch of the new route aimed at providing Indian travellers with convenient direct access to Phuket, one of Thailand’s most popular leisure destinations known for its beaches, nightlife, shopping and cultural attractions.
According to the airline, the Bengaluru–Phuket service will operate multiple times a week with varying schedules across Fridays, Sundays, Mondays and Saturdays.
Under the current schedule effective June 1, 2026, flights departing Bengaluru on Mondays and Saturdays will leave at 10:35 hrs and arrive in Phuket at 15:50 hrs, while return flights from Phuket will depart at 16:45 hrs and arrive back in Bengaluru at 18:55 hrs.
Friday services will depart Bengaluru at 11:25 hrs and arrive in Phuket at 16:40 hrs, with return flights departing Phuket at 17:40 hrs and reaching Bengaluru at 19:50 hrs.
Sunday flights will depart Bengaluru at 11:15 hrs and arrive in Phuket at 16:30 hrs, while return services will leave Phuket at 17:30 hrs and arrive in Bengaluru at 19:40 hrs.
The new Phuket route further expands Air India Express’ footprint in Thailand, complementing the airline’s Bengaluru–Bangkok operations introduced in October last year.
Air India Express currently operates nearly 500 weekly flights from Bengaluru, offering direct connectivity to 31 domestic and eight international destinations.
According to the airline, the launch forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen international connectivity from key Indian cities to high-demand leisure destinations across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Recently, Air India Express was recognised as ‘Airline of the Year’ in both domestic and international categories at Bengaluru Airport’s Pinnacle Awards. The airline also received the Domestic Connectivity Award at Wings India 2026, organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India and FICCI.
The airline has also been promoting its recently launched campaign, ‘Xpress Wali Baat Hai’, featuring Pankaj Tripathi, highlighting onboard offerings including hot meals, enhanced comfort and expanded network connectivity across domestic and international routes.
