Air India Express to Launch Direct Varanasi–Bangkok Flights from February 1

Air India Express is set to launch a new non-stop Varanasi–Bangkok service from 1 February 2026, adding another international route from Uttar Pradesh. The weekly flight is designed to make travel easier between eastern Uttar Pradesh and Thailand and support religious and leisure tourism.

With this addition, Varanasi becomes the fifth Indian city on the airline’s network with direct flights to Bangkok, after Bengaluru, Lucknow, Pune, and Surat. The move deepens air links between India and Thailand while strengthening the carrier’s presence in both Varanasi and Bangkok.

Air India Express Varanasi–Bangkok flights expand Thailand network

The airline highlights that the service will increase access to popular Thai destinations for travellers from Varanasi and nearby regions. At the same time, the route is expected to draw more visitors to Varanasi, Sarnath, and other locations that form part of the wider Buddhist circuit.

Air India Express already runs direct operations between Bangkok and four Indian cities: Bengaluru, Lucknow, Pune, and Surat. In addition, there is a direct link between Hyderabad and Phuket. The new Varanasi–Bangkok flights therefore plug into an expanding Thailand network for the carrier.

Air India Express Varanasi–Bangkok flights support Buddhist circuit

Tourism stakeholders see this route as important for pilgrims and cultural travellers. It connects Thailand more directly with key Buddhist heritage centres. Sarnath, near Varanasi, is a significant stop on itineraries that link several places associated with the life and teachings of the Buddha.

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

Air India Express Varanasi–Bangkok flights and existing operations

The airline already has a strong base in Varanasi. Air India Express currently operates more than 70 weekly flights from the city to Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Sharjah. The carrier was also the first to start international services from Varanasi, with direct Sharjah flights launched in August 2015.

Within Uttar Pradesh, the airline also flies from Ayodhya, Hindon, and Lucknow, building a broader regional network. These operations are intended to link smaller and religious centres with large domestic hubs and key foreign destinations, including the growing Thailand portfolio.

Singh explained the importance of the new service for inbound visitors. Singh said, "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."

Describing the airline’s broader approach, Singh added, "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."

Air India Express Varanasi–Bangkok flights schedule details

Bookings for the Varanasi–Bangkok flight are now open on the Air India Express website, mobile app, and other authorised booking channels. The non-stop flight will operate once a week, on Sundays, with afternoon and evening timings designed for convenient same-day travel in both directions.

The announced schedule for the Air India Express Varanasi–Bangkok flights, effective 1 February 2026, is as follows:

The launch of Air India Express Varanasi–Bangkok flights on 1 February 2026 marks another step in the airline’s regional growth. The weekly non-stop link ties Thailand more closely with Varanasi and surrounding areas while building on the carrier’s established domestic and international operations from Uttar Pradesh.