AirAsia takes off with five new international routes

AirAsia is ramping up its operations towards the end of the year with the launch of five new international routes. These include two routes from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport to Hyderabad, India, and Phu Quoc, Vietnam, and three routes from Phuket to Kolkata and Chennai in India, and Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Don Mueang Airport, and Phuket Airport, AirAsia welcomed inbound passengers with warm receptions. The airline is confident that it will meet its target of transporting 20 to 21 million passengers this year.

Thai AirAsia Commercial Director Thansita Akkhararittichai noted significant growth in the Indian market this year. With the addition of the three new routes starting at the end of October, Thai AirAsia now operates 14 routes between Thailand and India, covering 12 destinations.

All routes have shown impressive passenger load factors, with expectations that the Indian market will maintain a load factor of over 90% this year. The new routes aim to attract high-spending Indian tourists to Thailand during the year-end period while offering Thai travellers new experiences in India.

Thansita considers Indian tourists to be crucial in driving tourism within Thailand and Vietnam.

“Earlier, we held a press conference in Hyderabad, India, inviting Indian tourists to visit Thailand and explore various provinces by year-end. The launch of our first route to Phu Quoc, Vietnam, is particularly exciting. Phu Quoc is a city waiting to be discovered with its stunning sea views, delicious seafood, the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car, amusement parks, zoos, and aquariums, all at an affordable cost. We believe it will quickly become a popular destination.”

Decade of service

Arun Lilapantisit, AirAsia’s airport manager in Phuket, mentioned that October marks the 15th anniversary of Thai AirAsia’s operations base in Phuket. Since its inception, the base has grown significantly, staffed largely by locals from Phuket and surrounding provinces.

This growth is not limited to domestic routes but extends to international routes that have received positive feedback, bolstered by government policies promoting Phuket tourism. The airline is confident in launching new routes to attract tourists to Phuket for both short and long stays.

Arun commented that Phuket remains a large tourist market among Indian tourists.

“India is a major tourist market and among the top visitors to Phuket. Indian tourists love beautiful beaches, and Phuket offers comprehensive tourism experiences, ensuring strong positive responses.

“Siem Reap, another highly requested direct route from Phuket, is a favourite among both Thai and international tourists. Connecting these two unique cities will create significant opportunities.”

The strategic expansion by AirAsia aligns with Thailand’s broader tourism promotion efforts, aiming to boost visitor numbers and economic activity during the holiday season. The new routes present exciting opportunities for cultural exchange and tourism growth between Thailand and its neighbouring countries.