Direct flights from Kolkata to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur launched by Thai Lion Air and Malaysia Airlines

Kolkata’s international connectivity will receive a significant boost with the introduction of new direct flights to Southeast Asia. Thai Lion Air will begin operating four weekly direct flights between Kolkata and Bangkok starting December 16, 2024. These flights will be scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The outbound flight (SL-402) from Bangkok will depart at 12:30 AM and land in Kolkata at 1:35 AM local time. The return flight (SL-401) will leave Kolkata at 2:35 AM and arrive in Bangkok at 6:35 AM Thai time. This new route will provide a direct link between Kolkata and one of the most visited cities in Southeast Asia, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Thai Lion Air’s new service will offer budget-friendly options for travelers, with one-way fares starting at approximately ₹7,000–₹9,000 under their “Lion Promo” category. This makes the route affordable for a large number of passengers, particularly those seeking economical travel. The airline’s low-cost structure includes a 7 kg carry-on baggage allowance, and passengers can opt for a 20 kg checked baggage option for a slightly higher fare. The introduction of these flights is expected to improve access to Bangkok for Kolkata residents, making it easier for them to travel to the Thai capital and onward to other destinations in Southeast Asia.

In addition to Thai Lion Air, Malaysia Airlines will resume direct flights between Kolkata and Kuala Lumpur from December 2, 2024, after a hiatus due to the pandemic. Malaysia Airlines will operate five weekly flights between the two cities, offering convenient travel options for both business and leisure travelers. The flight from Kolkata will depart at 12:10 AM, arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 6:15 AM local time, while the return flight will depart Kuala Lumpur at 10:10 AM and reach Kolkata at 11:10 PM local time. This service will provide passengers with more choices for traveling between Kolkata and the Malaysian capital, which is a key hub for business and tourism in the region.

These new direct flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are part of a broader trend of increasing international connectivity from Kolkata. Earlier in 2024, AirAsia launched direct daily flights between Kolkata and Phuket, while IndiGo is expected to increase the frequency of its flights between Kolkata and Bangkok. Kolkata’s international connectivity is growing rapidly, with the total number of international flights per week increasing to 146 once these new routes are operational. The addition of these services will enhance the city’s status as an emerging gateway for international travelers in Southeast Asia.

The expansion of international routes from Kolkata comes alongside ongoing upgrades to the city’s airport infrastructure. The airport management has been working on enhancing facilities at the international wing to accommodate the growing passenger traffic. "Talks are on for resumption and addition of more international flights, and we are upgrading facilities at the international wing of the airport," said airport director Pravat Ranjan Beuria. The airport’s expansion efforts aim to meet the rising demand for international flights and ensure a smoother experience for travelers.