Thailand and Malaysia have taken bold steps to enhance their appeal to Indian tourists by offering visa-free entry for Indian nationals. This move was made at a time when international travel from India was experiencing a surge, contrasting with the slower recovery of tourist arrivals in other regions, especially China, following the pandemic. Southeast Asia has long had the opportunity to tap into this growing market as global tourism gradually rebounded. Fast forward a year, and the positive outcomes have been undeniable, with both nations opting to extend the visa-free initiative in response to the surge in demand from India.
The decision to grant visa-free access has had a remarkable impact on tourism from India, and airlines have been quick to take advantage. The number of flights between India and the two Southeast Asian nations has increased substantially, as airlines respond to a growing demand for travel. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, between India and Thailand/Malaysia, flights surged by 29.2% YoY in the December quarter of 2024, with an additional 26.6% in seat capacity. This trend is set to continue, with projections for the January-March 2025 quarter showing a 43.7% rise in flights and a 41.1% increase in seat capacity, reports Indian Express.
New Flights and Expanding Routes
The rise in air traffic can be attributed to both Indian and Southeast Asian airlines launching new flights and increasing existing capacity. Carriers like IndiGo, Air India, AirAsia, and Malaysia Airlines have expanded their networks significantly between India and Thailand/Malaysia. For instance, IndiGo recently launched a Chennai-Penang route, while Air India Express introduced flights to Bangkok from cities such as Pune and Amritsar. Meanwhile, Thai AirAsia X added a Delhi-Bangkok service, further cementing the route’s popularity.
As airlines seek to capture the rising demand, new connections are also being made between Indian cities and regional destinations. This expansion in services has made it easier for Indian travellers to explore more destinations, not just in Thailand and Malaysia but also through these countries’ major international hubs, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. The ability to use these airports for stopovers and further connections has only added to the appeal.
Visa-Free Access Fuels Tourism Beyond Major Cities
Thailand and Malaysia’s visa-free initiative has not only encouraged direct travel but also contributed to greater regional connectivity. While cities like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur remain popular destinations, visa-free entry has made it easier for Indian travellers to explore secondary cities in both countries. Thai AirAsia’s CEO, Tassapon Bijleveld, mentioned that the visa exemption had made travel more accessible, and even cited the addition of new services as a result. Similarly, India’s growing tourism to Malaysia is benefiting from easier entry and cheaper flights.
Impact on Indian Air Traffic
The influx of flights between India and Thailand/Malaysia has had a noticeable impact on the aviation sector, with India’s international passenger traffic growing significantly. While official data is only available up to the June quarter of 2024, preliminary figures indicate a sharp increase in passengers travelling to these countries. The number of flights between India and Thailand rose by 35.5% YoY in the December 2024 quarter, while the number of flights between India and Malaysia increased by 20.5%. Projections for the upcoming months suggest continued growth, with both countries set to see an increase in seat capacity and flight frequency.
As Thailand and Malaysia continue to attract Indian travellers with their visa-free initiatives, the future looks promising for both nations’ tourism industries and India’s aviation sector. With increased flight options, improved connectivity, and expanded regional access, Indian tourists are expected to make the most of these opportunities. With airlines recognising the potential of these markets, the aviation and tourism sectors in both countries are poised for further growth.
In conclusion, visa-free entry to Thailand and Malaysia has proven to be a catalyst for growth in air travel, boosting tourism and fostering closer economic ties between the countries. As the world’s largest democracy continues to explore international destinations, Thailand and Malaysia are now well-positioned to continue attracting millions of Indian tourists in the years ahead.