VietJet Thailand Expands International Reach — The international air travel corridor between Kolkata and Bangkok is poised to become even more dynamic as VietJet Thailand, a Thai subsidiary of the Vietnamese budget carrier VietJet Air, officially announced its entry into the sector. This marks the sixth airline on the route, further enhancing travel options for leisure and business passengers between Eastern India and Southeast Asia.
Service Schedule & Aircraft Details
VietJet Thailand will commence operations on the Kolkata–Bangkok route from November 16, 2025, with four flights per week on the following schedule:
- Flight VZ770 arrives in Kolkata: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday (late evening)
- Flight VZ771 departs Kolkata: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Monday at 12:20 AM
The airline will deploy an Airbus A320 aircraft in an all-economy 180-seat configuration. Bookings for the route opened on July 17, 2025.
Expanding International Access from Eastern India
Kolkata’s strategic location and growing passenger base make it a natural gateway for Southeast Asian travel. The city now hosts six airlines on the Bangkok sector, including:
- Air India
- IndiGo
- Thai Airways International
- Thai AirAsia
- Bhutan Airlines
- Now, VietJet Thailand
This enhanced connectivity aligns with Thailand’s ongoing policy of visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, currently extended until June 2026, a move expected to drive a surge in tourist numbers and short-haul travel.
Impact on Tourism, Trade, and Travel
The addition of VietJet Thailand is expected to:
- Add 720 more seats per week to the sector
- Encourage competitive airfares
- Support last-minute and budget travel for both leisure and work
- Increase flight choices during the winter tourism season and festival travel rush
The Kolkata–Bangkok route is one of the busiest for the city, with tens of thousands of passengers flying between the two hubs every month.
VietJet Thailand Expands International Reach: Strategic Move for VietJet
For VietJet Thailand, this expansion strengthens its footprint in India, where it already operates services to and from Mumbai. The move into Kolkata represents a broader effort to tap into emerging Tier-1 and Tier-2 markets with strong tourism demand.
If passenger loads are favorable, the airline may scale up operations to a daily service in the coming quarters.
Comments from Industry Insiders
Airport officials in Kolkata welcomed the development, stating that additional international routes help in:
- Enhancing the airport’s regional relevance
- Improving revenue through passenger service fees and retail
- Encouraging investment in airport infrastructure upgrades, including e-immigration kiosks and duty-free expansion
Travel experts say VietJet’s timing is ideal. “There’s a big market for affordable Southeast Asian holidays from eastern India. Adding more low-cost seats on Bangkok routes will help democratize access,” said a Kolkata-based travel operator.
Competing Services
VietJet joins an already competitive field. Here’s how the route compares:
| Airline | Weekly Flights | Arrival Airport (Bangkok) |
|---|---|---|
| Air India | 6 | Suvarnabhumi |
| IndiGo | 7+ | Suvarnabhumi |
| Thai Airways | 5 | Suvarnabhumi |
| Thai AirAsia | 5+ | Don Mueang |
| Bhutan Airlines | 2 | Suvarnabhumi |
| VietJet Thailand | 4 (from Nov) | Suvarnabhumi |
Airport Logistics & Enhancements
With increasing international frequencies, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is also undergoing phased enhancements:
- Expansion of immigration counters
- Installation of automated e-gates
- Improvement of taxiway and apron handling
Authorities are also in discussions with Southeast Asian carriers to introduce direct flights to newer cities like Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Kuala Lumpur from Kolkata.
Summary
VietJet Thailand’s launch of services on the Kolkata–Bangkok route is a win-win for travelers, tourism stakeholders, and the regional aviation market. With multiple flights, increased seat capacity, and visa-free access to Thailand, passengers from Eastern India are now set to enjoy better connectivity and greater affordability.
Official External References
- VietJet Thailand Official Site
- Kolkata Airport (AAI)
- Tourism Authority of Thailand
- DGCA India – Airline Licensing & Routes
- Ministry of Civil Aviation, India
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