India’s low-cost airline GoAir is expanding its operations in Thailand, with direct flights starting on August 1 from Delhi and Mumbai to Bangkok.
GoAir, which was set up in 2005 and is now the country’s fourth-largest airline, launched international flights in October 2018.
It already has 21 flights a week to Phuket, the beach resort in southern Thailand, from three key hubs in India – Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru (Bangalore). And from August it will operate 14 flights a week to and from Bangkok.
GoAir officials said at a media briefing in Bangkok on Friday that the number of Indians coming to Thailand is growing exponentially. Its flights from Delhi to the Thai capital will be priced at 7,900 rupees (one-way).
“Thailand offers almost the complete tourism product – family holidays, shopping, beaches and nightlife,” vice president for international operations Arjun Dasgupta said.
“It’s a great escape: direct flights in under four hours. We market it as a getaway product, a shopping product and an affordable option,” he said. “Plus the Thai government has waived visa-on-arrival fee, so people can come here for free [currently]. That adds to the many appeals and attractions of this country.”
GoAir, which is part of the $5.5-billion Wadia Group, which has businesses in many sectors – real estate, healthcare, auto components, plantations, engineering and chemicals.
Buddhist circuit
GoAir has a fleet of 51 aircraft, mostly Airbus A320s, which fly to 24 domestic destinations. Its executives are hoping that Thais who want to do the “Buddhist circuit” in northern India will consider their flights to Delhi, which will be priced at 4,127 baht (one-way).
Flights to Mumbai, the financial hub on the southwest coast, close to the popular Ajanta and Ellora Caves, will cost 3,977 baht (one-way).
GoAir officials expect the airline will expand its operations in Southeast Asia, and Singapore could be their next destination.