The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) aims to increase the number of seats on commercial flights to and from India by an additional 7,000 per week, aligning with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s strategy to position Thailand as a key aviation hub in the region and enhance tourism flow.
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke stated that the prime minister is dedicated to implementing the aviation hub initiative, focusing on elevating Thailand’s status as a pivotal destination for international travel and bolstering the aviation sector’s growth.
Under this plan, the CAAT has collaborated with India’s Civil Aviation Ministry to finalize an agreement that will allow for an increased capacity and frequency of flights between the two nations. Discussions between the CAAT, the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry, and Indian airline representatives took place earlier this year, leading to the agreement.
According to Mr. Chai, the agreement stipulates that both countries must ensure that at least 80% of the maximum flight quota granted is utilized. Beginning November, each country will offer up to 7,000 additional flight seats per week for services connecting major cities.
Key Indian cities with high traffic for flights to Thailand include Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. The recent extension of the visa-free period for Indian tourists visiting Thailand until November 11 has already resulted in a notable increase in Indian tourist arrivals, with over 903,248 visitors between January 1 and June 9.
Mr. Chai expressed confidence that the expansion of flight capacities between Thailand and India will further stimulate tourism from India. He emphasized the prime minister’s commitment to establishing Thailand as a top tourist destination and highlighted the significance of enhanced air travel connectivity between the two countries in drawing more Indian visitors to Thailand.
