Bengaluru Phuket flights have commenced with Air India Express launching four weekly direct services, strengthening connectivity between southern India and Thailand while expanding the airline’s international network.
Bengaluru Phuket flights have been launched by Air India Express, with the airline commencing direct services between the Indian technology hub and Thailand’s popular island destination.
The inaugural flight departed from Bengaluru on 1 June, marking the start of four weekly direct services to Phuket. The new route provides travellers with direct access to one of Thailand’s leading leisure destinations, known for its beaches, nightlife, cultural attractions and tourism infrastructure.
The new service complements Air India Express’ existing Bengaluru–Bangkok route, introduced last October, further strengthening the airline’s presence in the Thai market.
Under the new schedule, flights will operate on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Monday and Saturday services depart Bengaluru at 10:35 and arrive in Phuket at 15:50, with return flights leaving Phuket at 16:45 and arriving in Bengaluru at 18:55. Friday flights depart Bengaluru at 11:25 and return from Phuket at 17:40, while Sunday services depart Bengaluru at 11:15 with return flights leaving Phuket at 17:30.
Expanding international connectivity
The launch forms part of Air India Express’ strategy to expand international connectivity from key Indian metropolitan markets to high-demand leisure destinations across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
From Bengaluru, the airline currently operates nearly 500 weekly flights, providing direct connectivity to 31 domestic destinations and eight international destinations. The addition of Phuket further enhances the carrier’s international network from southern India.
Thailand remains one of the most popular outbound leisure markets for Indian travellers, supported by strong demand for short-haul international travel, visa-friendly policies and increasing air connectivity between the two countries.
Recent industry recognition
Air India Express was recently recognised as ‘Airline of the Year’ in both the Domestic and International categories at the Bengaluru Airport Pinnacle Awards. The airline also received the Domestic Connectivity Award at Wings India 2026, an industry event organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India and FICCI.
The airline said the award recognised its contribution to improving connectivity and expanding access to air travel across India.
Air India Express has also recently launched its ‘Xpress Wali Baat Hai’ campaign featuring actor Pankaj Tripathi, highlighting the airline’s onboard offerings, including hot meals under its Gourmair programme, Indian hospitality and its expanding domestic and international route network.