A Wave of New Connections
Aviation in India is undergoing a significant international expansion, with a clear focus on Southeast Asia. Airlines like IndiGo, Air India Express, and Vietjet are aggressively adding new, direct flights from major Indian hubs to popular and emerging
leisure destinations. In recent months, carriers have launched or announced new services connecting Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to tourism hotspots such as Phuket and Krabi in Thailand, Denpasar (Bali) in Indonesia, and Hanoi in Vietnam. For example, Air India Express recently inaugurated direct flights from Bengaluru to Phuket, operating four times a week. Similarly, IndiGo has bolstered its network with new routes from Delhi to Bali and Krabi. This surge is driven by a strategy to connect high-demand Indian metros directly with sought-after holiday spots, bypassing traditional, often more expensive, transit hubs.
The Simple Economics of Cheaper Fares
The core reason for lower vacation costs is straightforward: increased supply and competition. As more airlines ply the same routes, they are forced to compete on price to attract passengers. The introduction of low-cost carriers like Vietjet and the expansion of Air India Express's international footprint have been particularly influential. These airlines are connecting major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru with destinations across Vietnam and Thailand, creating more options for travelers. Furthermore, the increase in direct, non-stop flights reduces costs significantly. Direct routes eliminate the need for layovers, which often involve flying on multiple, sometimes more expensive, international carriers. A non-stop flight of five to six hours is not only more convenient but is frequently cheaper than a ten-hour journey with a stop in another country.
Vietnam and Thailand Emerge as Top Spots
Vietnam, in particular, has become a major beneficiary of this aviation boom. Airlines have been steadily adding connections between the two countries. Air India launched a new non-stop service from Delhi to Hanoi in May 2026, complementing its existing flights to Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnamese carrier Vietjet has also been a key player, establishing a robust network that now includes around 10 routes connecting major Vietnamese cities with Indian hubs like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Thailand also remains a perennial favorite, with airlines adding both new routes and increasing the frequency of existing ones. IndiGo, for instance, doubled its service on the Delhi-Bangkok route to offer twice-daily flights. The new direct connections to islands like Phuket from cities such as Bengaluru make these beach paradises more accessible than ever for South Indian travelers.
More Than Just Airfare Savings
While lower airfares are the main driver, the overall affordability of Southeast Asian destinations amplifies the savings. Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia are known for offering excellent value for money. Once travelers arrive, costs for accommodation, food, and local activities are considerably lower than in many Western destinations or even some popular Indian tourist spots. This combination of cheaper flights and low on-the-ground expenses makes the entire vacation package more economical. Travelers find that their budget stretches further, allowing for longer stays or more activities. The availability of visa-free or visa-on-arrival policies in many of these countries also helps reduce upfront costs and administrative hassle, making spontaneous trips more feasible.
