hai AirAsia has planned to operate direct flights to Bangkok from Trichy international Airport on a daily basis from August 12, according to sources.
The move was widely welcomed as a large number of travellers from the central region currently have to take a circuitous route via Kuala Lumpur, Colombo and Singapore to reach Bangkok. Once the service becomes operational it would take less than two hours to reach Bangkok from Trichy.
Thai AirAsia, a joint venture of Malaysia low-cost airline AirAsia and Thailand’s Asia Aviation, flight would depart from Trichy international airport at 1.30am, sources said. With this new service, the total number of international flights being operated from Trichy airport would go up to 112 from 105. At present, SriLankan Airlines, AirAsia, Air India Express, Tiger Air and Malindo Air are operating services from the airport.
They are presently connecting Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo and Sharjah, besides 28 domestic services per week by Jet Airways.
As Thailand is a popular and affordable tourist destination, the launch of Thai AirAsia would attract more number of people from central region, travel agents have said. “There is a close historical, spiritual and cultural connection that dates back to thousands of years. India’s influence in Indonesia can be felt even today. Ramayana is a popular epic in Bali and Java islands of the country,” said M S Paramasivam, chairman of Travel Agents Associations of India, South Tamil Nadu Chapter.
“Compared to any other overseas tourist destination, Thailand would be comparatively cheaper. So, the new service would definitely attract more number of tourists from both the countries,” he added.