Starting December 27, low-cost airline IndiGo will initiate direct services between Kolkata and Phuket, as announced on Friday. This development represents IndiGo's second direct connection to Phuket, after establishing a route from Delhi, and aims to expand the airline's international network in light of the rising interest from Indian travelers going to Thailand.

In a statement by Vinay Malhotra, the head of global sales at IndiGo, the airline expressed satisfaction in extending its reach into Thailand. This includes a daily flight to Phuket, supplementing the existing eleven weekly flights to Bangkok, which brings the total operations between India and Thailand to 93 weekly flights. Phuket is renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural atmosphere, and it benefits from a visa-free entry policy for Indian tourists, which is anticipated to further boost travel demand.

The introduction of this new route will facilitate easier access to Phuket for travelers from eastern India. It also aims to bolster trade, tourism, and commerce between India and Southeast Asia. Kolkata, noted as India’s first metropolitan city, is transforming its infrastructure to support the increased travel demand from the region to Southeast Asian destinations.

According to the airline’s schedule, flights from Kolkata to Phuket will operate on six days each week except Thursdays. The departure timings vary, with flights leaving Kolkata at 6 am or 6:50 am on different weekdays, ensuring arrival in Phuket by mid-morning or just before noon. Return flights from Phuket back to Kolkata will also vary, departing to reach Kolkata in early afternoon hours on various days, thus providing flexible options for both leisure and business travelers.