IndiGo, India's leading airline, has announced the introduction of non-stop flights connecting Gaya, Bihar, with Bangkok, Thailand, commencing October 26, 2026. This new service is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity and facilitate religious tourism between the two nations.
Direct Connectivity and Schedule
The new Gaya-Bangkok route will operate twice a week, specifically on Mondays and Thursdays, pending necessary regulatory approvals. Flight 6E 1083 will depart Gaya at 1:15 PM and arrive in Bangkok at 5:50 PM. The return flight, 6E 1084, will leave Bangkok at 10:15 AM, reaching Gaya by 12:15 PM. All timings are local.
Bihar Government's Support and Tourism Boost
The launch of these direct flights has been made possible through the Bihar state government's Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme, designed to encourage international flight operations from the region. The Bihar cabinet approved up to ₹10.40 crore in VGF support for the Gaya-Bangkok route for a 12-month period.
This initiative is poised to provide a substantial boost to Buddhist tourism, particularly for pilgrims visiting Bodh Gaya. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya is a pivotal destination for Buddhists worldwide. The direct connection will improve accessibility for thousands of visitors from Thailand and other countries who travel to the city annually, benefiting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and transport operators.
IndiGo's Expanding Thailand Network
Thailand continues to be a highly popular international destination for Indian travelers. IndiGo already operates over 140 flights per week between India and various Thai cities. The airline connects Bangkok with major Indian hubs including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bhubaneswar. Additionally, IndiGo offers direct services to Phuket from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, as well as flights to Krabi from Delhi.
Tickets for the new Gaya-Bangkok flights will be available for booking via IndiGo's official website, mobile application, and authorized travel partners.
IndiGo's Market Performance
In May 2026, IndiGo carried 99.91 lakh passengers, maintaining its position as India’s leading domestic airline with a 64.9% market share. During the same month, India’s scheduled domestic airlines collectively transported 153.90 lakh passengers, a 9.49% month-on-month increase. From January to May 2026, domestic airlines served a total of 729.40 lakh passengers, marking a 1.91% increase compared to the previous year.