Air India Express has launched direct flights between Bengaluru and Phuket, strengthening its international network and offering travellers easier access to one of Thailand’s most popular leisure destinations.
The inaugural flight departed from Bengaluru on Sunday, marking the airline’s latest international expansion from the Karnataka capital. The new service connects Indian travellers directly to Phuket, known for its beaches, nightlife, markets and cultural attractions.
Strengthening presence in Thailand
The Bengaluru–Phuket route further expands Air India Express’ footprint in Thailand and complements the airline’s Bengaluru–Bangkok service, which was introduced in October last year.
The addition of Phuket underscores the carrier’s strategy of enhancing connectivity to high-demand leisure destinations across Southeast Asia as outbound travel from India continues to grow.
Bengaluru emerges as a key hub
Air India Express currently operates nearly 500 weekly flights from Bengaluru, providing direct connectivity to 31 domestic and eight international destinations.
The airline said the latest route expansion is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen international connectivity from major Indian metropolitan cities, particularly to popular tourism markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Recognition for connectivity growth
Air India Express has recently received multiple industry recognitions for its network expansion and connectivity initiatives.
The airline was named ‘Airline of the Year’ in both the domestic and international categories at Bengaluru Airport’s Pinnacle Awards. It also received the Domestic Connectivity Award at the 2026 edition of Wings India 2026, organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with Airports Authority of India and FICCI.
The award recognised the airline’s contribution to expanding air connectivity and improving access to air travel across the country.
Focus on customer experience
The launch comes as Air India Express continues to promote its recently unveiled ‘Xpress Wali Baat Hai’ campaign featuring Pankaj Tripathi.
Through the campaign, the airline highlights its onboard offerings, including comfortable seating, ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, Indian hospitality and a growing domestic and international route network aimed at providing greater travel convenience.
The Bengaluru–Phuket service is expected to cater to both leisure travellers and holidaymakers seeking direct connectivity to Thailand, further strengthening Air India Express’ position in the rapidly growing international travel market.