International travel options from Kolkata are set to expand this winter as two major airlines increase their routes to Southeast Asia. Starting December 16, Thai Lion Air, known for its budget-friendly flights, will offer new direct service to Bangkok four times a week. The flights, connecting with Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. They will leave Bangkok at 12:30 a.m., arriving in Kolkata at 1:35 a.m. local time. The return flight will depart Kolkata at 2:35 a.m., landing back in Bangkok at 6:35 a.m.

 

In addition, Malaysia Airlines will restart its pre-pandemic route to Kuala Lumpur from December 2. This service, operating five times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, will arrive in Kolkata at 11:10 p.m. and leave at 12:10 a.m. Malaysia Airlines is the first international carrier to reinstate services to Kolkata since the pandemic, joining AirAsia in providing a link to Kuala Lumpur.

 

Kolkata airport's director, Pravat Ranjan Beuria, expressed enthusiasm over the increased connectivity. "We are in discussions for the resumption and addition of more international flights and are enhancing facilities at the airport's international wing," Beuria mentioned.

 

 

With these additions, the total number of weekly international flights from Kolkata will rise from 137 to 146. The winter travel schedule also includes new direct flights from AirAsia Thailand to Phuket, while IndiGo will increase its weekly flights to Bangkok to four.

 

These new options highlight Kolkata's growing role as a key international gateway, offering more convenience and choices just in time for the busy travel season.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-26

 

 

I just came back from Kolkata to BKK last evening on Bhutan Airlines, which had the best time of day departures in each direction. Note how those Lion Air flights happen in the middle of the night. Some people can do that, not me. Also, India does not encourage tourism it seems. In 10 days I saw about 10 western people, in a city of millions. The airport was almost empty coming and going, so yes they want business. But flights at normal times would help. I will say that Kolkata is definitely worth a visit, and the people were mostly wonderful to me.

Just what Thailand needs