Go-Air seeks more flight slots into Thailand amid increasing demand

PHOTO: Indian weddings are on the rise along with a big leap in new Indian tourism traffic to Phuket

Indian-based budget carrier GoAir is looking for additional flying slots into Thailand airports amid growing air passenger traffic.

The GoAir Vice-President Arjun Dasgupta says the airline wants to launch flights from seven more Indian cities, including Chandigarh and Lucknow, to Phuket.

Currently, it has already has direct flights into Phuket from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

“The airlines of both the countries have almost exhausted their seat quotas and we are pushing for an increase in flight rights.”

Bilateral flying rights refer to an agreement between two countries that allows each other’s airlines to operate services with a specific number of seats.

Speaking at last week’s Thailand Yacht Show at Royal Phuket Marina last week, he says the airline would also start services to Bangkok.

Explaining the rationale behind starting more flights to Phuket, GoAir Managing Director Jeh Wadia says the city offers huge opportunities for wedding planners, boating enthusiasts and vacation home buyers due to its attractive locations and good weather.

“By end of this year, Phuket will become the number one international destination for Indians.”

As many as 1.7 million tourists from India are expected to visit Thailand this year and rise to 2 million by 2020. A total of 10 million tourists are expected by 2030, he had said.