Thailand has announced a substantial increase in airline capacity with India, adding an additional 7,000 seats per week starting November. This move is part of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s strategy to elevate Thailand as a prominent aviation hub and to enhance tourism traffic between the two countries. The agreement, facilitated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and India’s Civil Aviation Ministry, underscores Thailand’s commitment to strengthening its aviation sector and boosting connectivity with major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
The initiative is expected to have far-reaching implications for airline travel, significantly enhancing connectivity and opening up new opportunities for both tourism and business sectors. By increasing seat availability, airlines will be able to accommodate the growing demand for travel between Thailand and India more effectively. This expansion is anticipated to stimulate economic growth in both countries, particularly in tourism and related industries.
Thailand’s strategic goal is to establish itself as a central aviation hub in Southeast Asia, thereby attracting more international travelers and positioning the country as a preferred transit point in the region. The timing of the agreement, set to commence in November, aligns with projections of increased travel demand, ensuring airlines can meet the needs of passengers more efficiently.
Negotiations between the CAAT and India’s Civil Aviation Ministry have been ongoing since March, focusing on finalizing the terms of the increased capacity agreement. Conditions have been set to ensure airlines utilize at least 80% of the maximum flight quota granted, promoting efficient use of the additional seats.
Source: Travel and Tour World
