Akasa Air’s Mumbai-Phuket Route Ignites Indo-Thai Tourism and Trade Surge
Date: August 14, 2025
By: Indo-Thai News Network
In a landmark move set to transform travel and commerce between India and Thailand, Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing low-cost carrier, will launch daily direct flights between Mumbai and Phuket starting September 20, 2025. This new route, marking the airline’s bold entry into Southeast Asia, promises to spark a surge in bilateral tourism and trade, connecting two vibrant economic hubs with affordable and convenient travel options tailored for modern travelers.
A New Gateway for Indo-Thai Connectivity
Phuket, Thailand’s tropical gem, is a magnet for Indian travelers drawn to its turquoise beaches, bustling night markets, and rich cultural tapestry. With Akasa Air’s daily non-stop flights—departing Mumbai at 7:45 AM and arriving in Phuket at 2:35 PM, with return flights leaving Phuket at 3:35 PM and landing in Mumbai at 7:15 PM—travelers gain unmatched flexibility. This schedule caters to both leisure seekers planning weekend getaways and business professionals attending cross-border meetings, strengthening the cultural and economic bonds between India and Thailand.
The route, Akasa Air’s sixth international and 29th overall destination, taps into India’s booming outbound tourism market, driven by a young, globally curious demographic. In 2024, over 1.2 million Indian tourists visited Thailand, with Phuket alone hosting nearly 300,000. The direct connection eliminates the hassle of layovers, reducing travel time by up to three hours compared to connecting flights via Bangkok or Singapore. Bookings are now open on Akasa Air’s website, mobile app, and major online travel agencies, with promotional fares starting as low as INR 12,000 one-way, making Phuket more accessible than ever.
Boosting Bilateral Trade and Cultural Exchange
Beyond tourism, the Mumbai-Phuket route is poised to catalyze trade between India and Thailand, two nations with a bilateral trade volume of $16.9 billion in 2024. Mumbai, India’s financial capital, is a hub for industries like textiles, gems, and IT services, while Phuket’s strategic position as a trade and logistics center in the Andaman Sea enhances its role in Thailand’s export-driven economy. The daily flights will facilitate seamless business travel, enabling entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in sectors like seafood processing, renewable energy, and hospitality.
The route also aligns with India’s “Act East” policy and Thailand’s ambition to deepen ASEAN-India ties. For instance, Indian SMEs in Maharashtra are eyeing partnerships with Thai firms in Phuket’s thriving tourism sector, from boutique resorts to wellness retreats. Conversely, Thai exporters of organic produce and handicrafts can leverage Mumbai’s vast consumer market. Akasa Air’s modern Boeing 737 MAX fleet, equipped with cargo capacity, will further support small-scale exporters, ensuring faster delivery of perishables like Thai durians and Indian spices.
Voices from the Ground
“This is a game-changer for young travelers like us,” says Priya Sharma, a 28-year-old Mumbai-based travel vlogger. “Direct flights mean I can spend a long weekend in Phuket without burning a hole in my pocket. Plus, Akasa’s in-flight experience—think Kombucha and USB ports—makes the journey as exciting as the destination.” On the Thai side, Phuket-based tour operator Chaiwat Srisuk echoes the optimism: “Indian tourists are our fastest-growing market. These flights will bring more families and honeymooners, boosting our local economy.”
Akasa Air’s leadership sees the route as a cornerstone of its global vision. “We’re not just connecting cities; we’re building bridges for cultural exchange and economic growth,” says Vinod Kannan, CEO of Akasa Air. “Phuket’s allure and Mumbai’s dynamism make this route a perfect fit for our mission to make global travel affordable and meaningful.”
The Akasa Edge
Akasa Air’s customer-centric approach sets it apart. Its fleet offers ample legroom, USB charging ports, and Café Akasa’s gourmet menu, featuring Thai-inspired dishes like mango sticky rice alongside Indian favorites. The airline’s tech-driven booking platform and industry-first offerings, like SkyScore for real-time flight updates, ensure a seamless experience. For Indo-Thai travelers, the route’s launch coincides with Thailand’s Vegetarian Festival in October 2025, offering a timely opportunity to explore Phuket’s cultural vibrancy.