Air India Express to launch direct Varanasi–Bangkok flights from February 1

Air India Express has announced direct weekly flights between Varanasi and Bangkok from February 1, 2026, strengthening air connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Thailand. With this launch, Varanasi becomes the fifth Indian city connected to Bangkok by the airline, after Bengaluru, Lucknow, Pune, and Surat.

The new non-stop service is launched to improve travel options for passengers from eastern Uttar Pradesh to Thailand and boosting inbound tourism to Varanasi, Sarnath, and other key destinations on the Buddhist circuit. Bookings are now open on the airline’s website, mobile app, and other booking platforms.

The new route adds to Air India Express’ growing operations in Thailand. The airline already operates direct flights between Bangkok and Bengaluru, Lucknow, Pune, and Surat, and also flies directly between Hyderabad and Phuket.


The service also expands Air India Express’ footprint in Varanasi, from where it operates more than 70 weekly flights to Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Sharjah. The airline was the first to start international flights from Varanasi, launching direct services to Sharjah in August 2015. Within Uttar Pradesh, Air India Express also operates from Ayodhya, Hindon, and Lucknow.

“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," said Aloke Singh, Managing Director of the airline.

He added, “For inbound travellers, the service strengthens access to Varanasi - one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities and widely regarded as India’s spiritual capital - while further developing the Buddhist travel circuit for visitors from Thailand.” Singh said, “This new connection reflects our credo of expanding the network with meaningful connections, supporting our commitment to deliver greater convenience and value to our guests.”

Flight schedule (effective February 1, 2026)

Departure Airport	Arrival Airport	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Frequency
Varanasi	Bangkok	12:35	18:05	Sunday
Bangkok	Varanasi	19:05	21:35	Sunday