Air India Express has announced the launch of a weekly non-stop flight service between Varanasi and Bangkok, further strengthening air connectivity between Thailand and Uttar Pradesh. The new service will commence on February 1, 2026, and bookings are now open across all major platforms.

The airline said the new route will offer direct and convenient travel options for passengers flying from Varanasi to Bangkok, one of Asia’s most popular leisure destinations. At the same time, the service will make it easier for travellers from Thailand to visit Varanasi, Sarnath, and other important destinations along India’s Buddhist circuit.

The Varanasi–Bangkok service will operate once a week, every Sunday, with the following schedule (all timings are local), Varanasi to Bangkok: Departure at 12:35, arrival at 18:05 and return-leg Bangkok to Varanasi: Departure at 19:05, arrival at 21:35

Commenting on the launch, Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, said the new service supports the airline’s strategy of expanding international connectivity from India’s fast-growing non-metro and Tier-II cities.

“The introduction of this non-stop service to Bangkok provides seamless access to one of India’s most sought-after international destinations. It aligns with our strategic focus on enhancing direct international connectivity from the nation’s rapidly growing non-metro and Tier-II cities,” Singh said.

He added that the route will also benefit inbound tourism by improving access to Varanasi, which is widely regarded as India’s spiritual capital and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

“For inbound travellers, the service strengthens access to Varanasi while also supporting the growth of the Buddhist travel circuit for visitors from Thailand. This new connection reflects our commitment to expanding the network with meaningful routes that deliver greater convenience and value to our guests,” he said.

The Varanasi–Bangkok route will further strengthen Air India Express’ footprint in Thailand. The airline already operates direct flights connecting Bangkok with Bengaluru, Lucknow, Pune, and Surat, and also runs non-stop services between Hyderabad and Phuket.

The new international service also enhances the airline’s operations from Varanasi, where Air India Express currently operates over 70 weekly flights. These include direct connections to Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

Air India Express was the first airline to launch international operations from Varanasi, when it started direct flights to Sharjah in August 2015, putting the city on the global aviation map.

Within Uttar Pradesh, the airline also operates flights from Ayodhya, Hindon, and Lucknow, strengthening regional and international connectivity across the state.

Air India Express recently introduced a new cabin experience on its Boeing 737-8 aircraft, along with its latest brand campaign titled ‘Xplore More, Xpress More’. The campaign encourages travellers to explore local cultures and discover new destinations across the airline’s expanding network of over 60 destinations.

The upgraded cabins feature:

  • Seats with enhanced padding and thicker armrests
  • Improved legroom ranging from 29 to 38 inches
  • In-seat USB charging ports
  • Ovens for serving hot ‘Gourmair’ meals
  • Refreshed interiors with new carpets
  • Boeing Sky Interior mood lighting, creating a modern and welcoming ambience

These enhancements reflect the airline’s focus on providing a comfortable and memorable flying experience