Akasa Air Introduces New Flights from Mumbai to Asia’s Hottest Destination

MUMBAI– Akasa Air (QP) is set to broaden its international routes with daily non-stop flights connecting Mumbai (BOM) and Phuket (HKT), effective September 20, 2025. This significant expansion marks the airline’s inaugural venture into Southeast Asia and its sixth international destination.

Phuket will be the 29th destination for Akasa Air overall. The new route is designed to accommodate the increasing demand for direct air travel between India and Thailand, while enhancing tourism, business exchanges, and trade connections.

Akasa Air’s Mumbai to Phuket Flights

Flights departing from Mumbai will take off at 07:45, arriving in Phuket at 14:35 local time. The return flights will leave Phuket at 15:35 and touch down in Mumbai by 19:15.

With this daily service, Akasa Air is catering to both leisure and business travelers, providing a reliable flight schedule.

This direct route aims to strengthen connections between the two nations, offering a time-efficient alternative to existing one-stop travel options.

Akasa Air views this launch as part of its larger strategy to engage with India’s rapidly expanding outbound travel segment, which has seen a growing interest in international short-haul leisure destinations.

A Milestone for Akasa Air

Established in 2022, Akasa Air celebrated its third anniversary on August 7, 2025. In this time, it has transported over 19 million passengers and expanded its fleet to 30 aircraft.

The airline now services 23 domestic cities alongside six international destinations, including Doha (DOH), Jeddah (JED), Riyadh (RUH), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Kuwait City (KWI), and the upcoming Phuket (HKT).

By adding Phuket, Akasa Air is broadening its presence in the Gulf and Southeast Asia, positioning itself as a significant player in India’s mid-haul international market. This new route is aligned with the airline’s vision of connecting high-demand leisure and business destinations within a five-hour flight radius.

Network Strategy Driven by Demand

A strong increase in travel between India and Thailand is the main driver behind the new route. Indian tourism to Phuket has been on the rise, fueled by visa facilitation policies and significant cultural ties.

In addition, Thailand continues to attract business delegations and events related to trade from Mumbai’s business community.

Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized that this route caters to the evolving needs of modern Indian travelers and serves as a cultural and economic connector between India and Thailand.

Phuket: The Tourist Hub of Asia

Phuket International Airport (HKT) is the primary gateway to Thailand’s largest island, welcoming millions of visitors annually. Renowned for its stunning beaches, Phuket offers a mix of tropical landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a variety of activities, making it one of Southeast Asia’s must-visit vacation spots.

Major airlines, including Thai Airways (TG), provide access to Phuket from regional and international hubs, ensuring easy travel options for both short retreats and long holidays. The island features serene beaches, national parks, vibrant markets, and a lively nightlife scene, catering to diverse traveler preferences.

Discovering Beyond the Beaches in Phuket

Measuring approximately 50 km by 20 km, Phuket is divided into various districts, each offering its own unique experiences. While many tourists tend to stay within particular beach areas, those who explore further can find lush rainforests, ancient temples, historic town centers, and surrounding islands ripe for discovery.

Exploring Northern Phuket

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park
This national park features the last remnants of the island’s evergreen rainforest, spanning about 20 km². Hiking trails lead to picturesque waterfalls and vantage points for wildlife spotting, with the Bang Pae Waterfall trail being particularly popular. These shaded paths offer relief from the midday sun, though hiking conditions can be strenuous.

Bang Pae Waterfall
Located within the park, Phuket’s most famous waterfall invites visitors for refreshing swims in its clear, cool pools.

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Spread over 30 acres, this sanctuary rescues elephants from the logging and entertainment industries. Guests can observe and feed these majestic animals in an ethical tourism environment, where riding or touching is prohibited.

Discovering Central Phuket

Phuket Old Town
This historic district features colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture paired with charming street art and museums. Soi Romanee is a particularly picturesque path, while the Phuket Thaihua Museum offers insights into the island’s multicultural heritage.

Wat Chalong
Phuket’s most revered temple complex pays tribute to two monks who played pivotal roles during the 1876 Chinese rebellion. The intricate structures throughout the grounds require visitors to adhere to dress codes, covering shoulders and knees.

Island-Hopping Adventures
Phuket serves as a launch pad for exploring spectacular locales like Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands. Popular tours often include stops at iconic James Bond Island and lesser-known hidden gems.

Culinary Delights
Enjoy gourmet Thai meals at Blue Elephant in a colonial mansion setting or savor delicious street food offerings such as banana Thai roti. Food tours in central Phuket are a great way to discover both traditional and modern dishes.

Exploring Southern and Western Phuket

Big Buddha
Standing tall atop Nakkerd Hill, this 45-meter statue provides breathtaking views of the island. The journey to the summit passes by various tourist stalls and elephant riding attractions, but the tranquility at the top is worth the visit, along with its spiritual significance.

Beaches
Kata, Karon, and Freedom Beach are popular choices amongst tourists. For those seeking seclusion, alternatives like Banana Beach and Naiyang Beach are less crowded.

Spas and Wellness
Luxurious spas such as Infinite Luxury Spa at Kata Rocks coexist with charming local massage huts offering traditional Thai treatments.

Nightlife
Patong’s Bangla Road is famed for its vibrant nightlife, featuring an array of bars, clubs, and live entertainment options.

Where to Stay in Phuket

Phuket offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to opulent resorts. Generally, prices are lower than in many Western locations, allowing for more affordable luxury stays.

Como Point Yamu
This resort in the north provides excellent access to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Six Senses Yao Noi
Located in Phang Nga Bay, this resort features private villas and facilitates access to island-hopping adventures.

Bangkok: Asia’s Top Destination in 2025

Bangkok has been recognized as the most visited city in Asia for 2025 by Agoda, according to Thai Government Deputy Spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan.

Additional Thai destinations like Phuket (HKT), Pattaya (UTP), Chiang Mai (CNX), and Hat Yai (HDY) also feature among the top cities for repeat visits, highlighting Thailand’s diverse tourism offerings.

This ranking reflects Bangkok’s blend of vibrant urban life, renowned street food, iconic cultural landmarks such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, and efficient transportation networks. It also holds a Level 1 safety rating from the U.S. Department of State, the highest in the June 9, 2025, Travel Advisory.

This recognition supports Thailand’s ongoing mission to position itself as a safe, welcoming, and culturally rich travel destination. Tourists are attracted not only to Bangkok’s lively atmosphere but also to its contrasting beach resorts, historical towns, and regional cultural hubs.