123 Kolkata: From Dec 27, IndiGo Airlines will start direct flight operations between Kolkata and Phuket. This is the second connection between the city and the popular Thai seaside destination. AirAsia Thailand introduced daily direct services between Kolkata and Phuket exactly two months ago.
According to the airline, it will operate on all days except Thursday. On Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, flight 6E 1901 will depart from Kolkata at 6 am and reach Phuket at 10.40 am (local time). On Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, the flight will take off from Kolkata at 6.50 am and reach Phuket at 11.35 am.
The return flight 6E 1902 on Monday and Tuesday will leave Phuket at 11.40 am (local time) and reach Kolkata at 1.20 pm. On Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, it will take off from Phuket at 12.35 pm and reach Kolkata at 2.20 pm. On Friday, it will leave Phuket at 11.55 am and land in Kolkata at 1.40 pm.
This will be IndiGo's second direct flight to Phuket, following one from Delhi. The airline said the new route will expand its global network and cater to the growing number of tourists from India to Thailand. IndiGo currently operates 11 flights to Bangkok a week from Kolkata, one daily and the other four times a week.
"Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is known for its serene beaches and cultural diversity, and the country's visa-free policy for Indian citizens is expected to drive even greater demand," said IndiGo global sales head Vinay Malhotra.
AirAsia Thailand introduced daily flights between Kolkata and Phuket from Oct 28 with flight FD 187 departing Kolkata at 3.45 am and reaching Phuket at 8.20 am (local time). The return flight takes off from Phuket at 11.40 pm (local time) and reaches Kolkata at 1.25 am.
The travel trade community in Kolkata is excited about the new flight as most airlines have till now been focusing only on the Thai capital, Bangkok. GoFirst, the now-defunct carrier, introduced direct flights between Kolkata and Phuket for a brief period in 2022, but the operations were inconsistent, and the airline was finally grounded in January 2023.
Travel Agents Federation of India national committee member Anil Punjabi said the Phuket flight by IndiGo would add to the flexibility of travel plans. "Phuket is an international destination known for white sandy beaches and aquamarine blue sea. The flight will be great for leisure holidayers and honeymooners," he said.
Travel Agents Association of India chairman (east) Anjani Dhanuka felt the flight would provide a further fillip to group travellers for weddings. "Since travel to Thailand doesn't require a visa and Phuket is a great wedding destination, we expect many to go there for weddings," he added.