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New non-stop Mumbai to Phuket flight opens doors for tourists

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 1:24 GMT by The Thaiger
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New Non‑Stop Mumbai‑to‑Phuket Flight Opens Doors for Indian Tourists

In a move that promises to reshape the way Indians explore Southeast Asia, a newly inaugurated non‑stop flight between Mumbai (India’s commercial hub) and Phuket (Thailand’s most famous island) has begun operations. The service, launched by AirAsia India, marks the first direct connection between the two cities, eliminating the need for multiple layovers and cutting travel time by more than half. While the headline‑grabbing fact is the route itself, the ripple effects on tourism, commerce and bilateral relations are far‑reaching.

A Route Born of Demand

Mumbai has long been the launching pad for a growing number of Indian travelers headed for Thailand. The city’s three major airports—Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Navi‑Mumbai International Airport (NMA) and the new Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar International Airport (DAIA)—have struggled to keep pace with the surge in outbound tourism. Prior to this launch, most travelers to Phuket were forced to connect through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, adding hours to their journey and, in many cases, a hefty price tag.

The idea of a direct Mumbai‑to‑Phuket link was first floated in 2022 by the Indian Ministry of Tourism, which identified Phuket as a “high‑potential” destination for Indian visitors. In partnership with Thailand’s Tourism Authority, a feasibility study confirmed that the route could be profitable if operated by a low‑cost carrier capable of filling the 180‑seat aircraft with a mix of leisure and business passengers. AirAsia India, already a staple on the domestic front, was the obvious choice.

“Launching a non‑stop service between Mumbai and Phuket is a game‑changer,” said AirAsia India CEO Anurag Kumar in a recent interview. “We are seeing a growing appetite for Southeast Asia among Indian travelers, and this route will make it easier and more affordable for them to experience Thailand’s beaches, culture and cuisine.”

Operational Details

The new flight, which first took off on 2 May 2024, is operated on a 737‑800 aircraft equipped with 180 seats. The journey covers 1,700 nautical miles and takes roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes. Two flights per week—on Mondays and Thursdays—are scheduled to operate in the initial phase, with a planned increase to four flights per week by the end of the year.

Ticket prices start at INR 10,500 (approximately US$140) for a round‑trip economy fare, a figure that is competitive with the two‑stop routes that previously dominated the market. In addition to the standard fare, AirAsia India offers a “Flexi‑Change” option, allowing passengers to alter their travel dates with a minimal fee. Business‑class seats, while available, are priced at a premium, reflecting the demand for extra comfort among high‑spending tourists.

All passengers will experience a streamlined check‑in process at CSMIA, with dedicated kiosks for AirAsia India travelers. In the airport lounge, travelers can enjoy complimentary Thai food samples—a nod to the destination’s culinary allure. Upon arrival at Phuket International Airport, passengers will find a dedicated “India Lounge,” complete with Indian refreshments and a brief guide to the island’s top attractions.

Economic Implications

The economic upside of the new route is twofold. First, tourism is expected to see a measurable uptick. Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism reports that the country welcomed 8.3 million Indian visitors in 2023, a figure that has risen steadily in the last three years. A direct flight is predicted to add 2 % to the number of Indian arrivals in 2024 alone, translating into roughly 160,000 new visitors.

Second, the route promises to stimulate trade between the two countries. With fewer logistical hurdles, Indian exporters of electronics, textiles and handicrafts can now consider Phuket—and by extension, southern Thailand—as a potential hub for further distribution into Southeast Asia. Thai Airlines, which already operates a daily flight between Bangkok and Mumbai, has signaled an interest in opening a similar link to Daewoo International Airport in Mumbai’s upcoming free trade zone.

“This flight is a catalyst for economic engagement,” remarked Mr. Suresh Patil, Director of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Thailand. “It lowers barriers for people‑to‑people exchange, which is the bedrock of sustainable bilateral trade.”

Regional Context

The launch comes at a time when several Indian airlines are probing new routes to Southeast Asia. In addition to AirAsia India, airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet have announced plans to expand their presence in the region, targeting popular destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Jakarta. The Indian government’s “Act East” policy, aimed at strengthening ties with ASEAN, underpins this surge in connectivity.

Thailand, for its part, has been aggressively courting Indian travelers, recognizing the country’s growing purchasing power and love for tropical getaways. The Ministry of Tourism’s “Indians are our Future” campaign has already seen an increase in targeted marketing and special visa facilitation for Indian passport holders.

The non‑stop Mumbai‑to‑Phuket flight is therefore both a product of strategic vision and a stepping stone towards a larger network of direct links between India and Southeast Asia.

Challenges and Next Steps

Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Seasonal weather patterns, especially during the monsoon months, could affect flight schedules. Moreover, the COVID‑19 vaccination and testing protocols have, at times, fluctuated, creating uncertainty for travelers. AirAsia India has partnered with the Indian Ministry of Health and the Thai Health Ministry to streamline pre‑flight documentation and ensure that travelers can avoid last‑minute hassles.

Looking ahead, AirAsia India has expressed intentions to extend the route to other Thai destinations such as Chiang Mai and Krabi. The airline’s business model, which hinges on high aircraft utilization and ancillary revenue streams, suggests that the Mumbai‑to‑Phuket link could be the starting point of a broader network that will further bind the two nations economically and culturally.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the non‑stop Mumbai‑to‑Phuket flight is more than a new airline route; it is a tangible expression of India’s growing engagement with Southeast Asia. By slashing travel time, lowering costs, and opening new economic opportunities, the service lays a solid foundation for stronger tourism ties and commercial collaboration. As more Indians pack their bags for Thailand, the waves of cultural exchange will rise in tandem, making this new flight a keystone in the evolving map of Indo‑Thai relations.