GURUGRAM- Air India Express (IX) has launched direct flights connecting Bengaluru (BLR) and Phuket (HKT), with the inaugural service departing Bengaluru on 1 June 2026. The new route gives Indian travellers direct access to one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations, known for its coastline, nightlife, and cultural sites.
The launch strengthens the low-cost carrier’s presence in Thailand and follows its earlier Bengaluru (BLR) to Bangkok service introduced in October 2025. Air India Express (IX) now operates close to 500 weekly flights from Bengaluru (BLR), serving 31 domestic and 8 international destinations.
Air India Express Bengaluru to Phuket
Air India Express has added Phuket to its growing list of international destinations from Bengaluru. The service operates on multiple days each week, giving leisure travellers flexible options to plan trips to the Thai island.
Phuket attracts visitors for its beaches, markets, and heritage, making it a strong addition to the airline’s Southeast Asia network.
The route connects directly to Bengaluru, the largest station for Air India Express. The airline has steadily expanded its leisure-focused international flights from key Indian metros, and Phuket fits this strategy of linking high-demand holiday destinations with major Indian cities.
Bengaluru–Phuket Flight Schedule (Effective 1 June 2026)
All timings listed below are in local time.
| Departure | Arrival | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru | Phuket | 10:35 | 15:50 | Monday & Saturday |
| Phuket | Bengaluru | 16:45 | 18:55 | Monday & Saturday |
| Bengaluru | Phuket | 11:25 | 16:40 | Friday |
| Phuket | Bengaluru | 17:40 | 19:50 | Friday |
| Bengaluru | Phuket | 11:15 | 16:30 | Sunday |
| Phuket | Bengaluru | 17:30 | 19:40 | Sunday |
Expanding the Thailand Network
The Phuket route builds on the airline’s existing Thailand operations. Air India Express introduced its Bengaluru to Bangkok service in October 2025 and also operates direct flights between Hyderabad and Phuket. The new Bengaluru link adds another gateway to Thailand for South Indian travellers.
This expansion supports the airline’s wider focus on improving international connectivity from major Indian metros to leisure destinations across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Strong Presence in Bengaluru
Bengaluru remains central to Air India Express operations. The airline runs close to 500 weekly flights from the city, connecting 31 domestic and 8 international destinations.
This scale makes Bengaluru one of the airline’s most important hubs and a key launch point for new international routes.
Recent Recognition and Awards
Air India Express was named ‘Airline of the Year’ in both the Domestic and International categories at Bengaluru Airport’s Pinnacle Awards.
The airline also received the Domestic Connectivity Award at Wings India 2026, organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, along with the Airports Authority of India and FICCI. The award recognised its work in improving connectivity and widening access to air travel across India.
Passenger Experience and Brand Campaign
The airline recently launched its campaign ‘Xpress Wali Baat Hai’, featuring actor Pankaj Tripathi. The campaign highlights the carrier’s core offerings, including comfortable seating, ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, and Indian hospitality. It also promotes the airline’s expanding network across domestic and international routes.
Phuket Travel Guide
Phuket is the largest island in the country, covering 543 km² in the Andaman Sea off the southwest coast. A bridge at its northern end connects it to the mainland, and an international airport makes it one of Thailand’s easiest destinations to reach.
The island is known for soft-sand beaches, warm hospitality, excellent food, and a wide choice of accommodation across every budget. It is busy and developed, especially around Patong, but quieter corners still exist for travellers who want to avoid the crowds.
What Makes Phuket Worth a Visit
Phuket attracts millions of visitors each year thanks to its clear water, bright beaches, and steady tropical weather. Travellers can choose from cultural sights, boat trips, snorkelling, diving, and a lively nightlife scene centred on Patong Beach.
The island offers modern infrastructure, including well-equipped hospitals, good roads, and a busy international airport. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to five-star resorts, which makes Phuket suitable for families, couples, and backpackers alike.
Phuket is undeniably touristy and especially popular with Chinese and Russian visitors, alongside many Europeans and Americans. Almost any service can be arranged year-round, though the busiest months run from November to March. For a calmer experience, travellers can focus on Kata Noi, Kamala, Surin, or Cape Panwa.
The Best Beaches in Phuket
Most of Phuket’s famous beaches line the west coast, each with a different character.
Karon Beach stretches around 3 kilometres with bright, squeaky sand and gentle waves, making it one of the most family-friendly options. The northern end is the quietest part of this long beach.
Kata Beach and Kata Noi sit just south of Karon. Kata is wide, calm, and good for swimming, while the smaller Kata Noi offers a quieter feel and a snorkelling spot along the rocks at its northern end.
Patong Beach is the busiest area, with a long stretch of sand, heavy water-sports activity, and the famous Bangla Road nightlife. Travellers seeking calm often prefer other beaches.
Freedom Beach is a hidden cove between Patong and Karon with crystal-clear water and few facilities. It can be reached by a short boat ride or a 20-minute walk down from The Lek Sand Beach Bar.
Surin Beach has a relaxed feel and a sandy beach promenade lined with juice bars, food stalls, and massage parlours. Nearby Kamala Beach is a charming bay surrounded by hills with fewer crowds.
Bang Tao is one of the island’s longest beaches and is home to the Laguna Phuket resort complex. Nai Harn, near the southern tip, is a serene swimmable beach ideal for sunsets.
Cape Panwa, a peninsula on the southeastern tip around 10 kilometres from Phuket Old Town, offers a quieter side of the island. Ao Yon Beach on its eastern side stays swimmable even during the rainy season, while the western Khao Khad Beach is best for sunsets.
Top Things to Do in Phuket
Big Buddha is a 45-metre white marble statue on a southern hilltop, offering free entry and sweeping views of the coastline and Phuket Town. Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees.
Wat Chalong is the island’s largest and most striking temple, featuring a 60-metre pagoda said to hold a relic of the Buddha. Phuket Old Town adds cultural appeal with colourful Sino-Portuguese houses along Thalang Road and Soi Romanee.
Boat trips reach Phang Nga Bay, the Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, and smaller spots like Naka Island, Koh Lon, and Coral Island. Water activities include snorkelling, diving, jet skiing, and parasailing, while jungle treks, zip-lining, and ATV rides offer adventure inland.
Affordable Thai massages, lively Patong nightlife, and shopping at markets, malls, and Old Town round out the options.
Activities to Avoid
Travellers are advised to skip elephant riding and elephant interactions, including places marketed as sanctuaries, because of the cruelty involved in taming the animals. The same caution applies to Tiger Kingdom, dolphin shows, and horse riding.
Cannabis shops are widespread following decriminalisation in 2022, but only products under 0.2% THC are legal. Much of what is sold is stronger and technically illegal, and re-criminalisation has been under discussion, so visitors should check current rules.
Where to Stay
Karon suits travellers wanting a relaxed beach experience with plenty of restaurants but limited nightlife. Surin offers a peaceful atmosphere with a beach promenade close by. Cape Panwa provides a quieter, more exclusive base with easy access to Phuket Town amenities.
Recommended hotels include Baan Chay Lay Resort in Karon for budget travellers, 6th Avenue Surin Beach for value, The Surin Phuket for affordable luxury, and The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa for a secluded island stay.
Where to Eat
Karon offers strong options, including the fully vegan Soul Phuket, the great-value Ya Restaurant, Elephant Cafe by Tan, and the budget-friendly Mama Mickey street kitchen. Patong has Shree Hare Krishna and Mae Orathai Vegetarian.
Kamala’s Fruit Fusion serves smoothie bowls, Surin has Mama Riz Cafe, and Bang Tao is home to Bartels and several jai eateries. Cape Panwa offers Flamingo, Lae Lay, and the largely plant-based Soul Beach Café.
Getting Around and Getting There
Beach towns are compact enough to walk around in 5 to 15 minutes. Scooter rentals cost around 250 baht per day, though traffic is heavy and caution is essential. The Phuket Smart Bus runs fixed routes for about 100 baht, while taxis, songthaews, Grab, and Bolt cover longer trips.
Phuket International Airport connects to Denmark and many European countries directly or with one stopover, plus Thai cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and Asian hubs such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
When to Visit
Temperatures stay between 25°C and 32°C year-round. December and January offer the most reliable sunshine and calm seas during high season. March to May is the hottest, while June to October brings the rainy season, with September and October the wettest months. Phuket remains a year-round destination with sunny hours even during the rains.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
