Published on
September 15, 2025
Indian airlines are significantly expanding their operations in Southeast Asia, aiming to capture a larger share of both outbound travelers and transit passengers. As of September 2025, data from aviation analytics firm Cirium reveals that airlines are set to operate 270 daily flights between India and Southeast Asia, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous year. This growth reflects the rising demand for both direct and connecting flights to key tourist destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, and the Philippines.
Rising Demand for Southeast Asian Destinations
The surge in flights to Southeast Asia comes at a time when travelers from India are increasingly looking towards destinations like Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Notably, Bali has become one of the most sought-after locations for Indian tourists, partly due to improved flight connectivity. Since December 2023, Air India has taken over the Delhi-Bali route after Vistara, the first Indian carrier to start this service.
Travel agencies such as Yatra.com have reported a noticeable spike in inquiries for travel to Southeast Asia, with a 30-35% increase compared to the previous year. Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia remain top contenders for Indian tourists, supported by the enhanced connectivity and relatively stable airfare, thanks to the growing competition in the region.
New Routes and Expanding Fleet to Meet Demand
Indian carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air are introducing more flights to Southeast Asia to meet the surging demand. IndiGo has announced plans to start new routes to Bali, with flights from Mumbai and Delhi, in addition to its current services from Bengaluru. Akasa Air, meanwhile, is expanding its reach by launching new routes to Phuket from Mumbai starting September 20, followed by Bengaluru on October 1.
In addition to point-to-point travel, airlines are also focusing on increasing connectivity between regional hubs. For instance, Akasa Air is exploring other Southeast Asian destinations, including Vietnam, while strengthening its network to attract more international travelers. Furthermore, Air India plans to launch direct flights between Delhi and Manila in October, further enhancing connectivity to the Philippines.
Connecting Southeast Asia and Beyond
The rise in international travel has also encouraged Indian carriers to expand their focus beyond direct flights. Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru airports have seen notable increases in transit traffic, especially with the launch of routes to destinations like Almaty, Baku, and Tashkent. This has resulted in higher passenger flows from Southeast Asia to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
One of the key developments is the introduction of wide-body aircraft on routes with high travel demand. For example, Vietnam Airlines will deploy its Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft on the Ho Chi Minh City-Mumbai route starting in late October 2025. This upgrade aims to enhance passenger comfort and accommodate growing demand for flights between India and Vietnam.
Strategic Location of Indian Airports for International Connections
The geographical positioning of major Indian airports is proving to be a strategic advantage for airlines. Mumbai and Bengaluru airports, with their growing global connectivity, provide a solid platform for transit traffic. This has become especially important for passengers traveling from Southeast Asia to destinations in the Gulf and Europe. IndiGo’s expanding network, including connections from Jakarta to Mumbai and Dhaka to Hyderabad, highlights the importance of these airports as international hubs.
Southeast Asia’s Growing Importance in Indian Tourism
The booming flight services between India and Southeast Asia reflect the increasing importance of the region as a key tourism market for Indian travelers. With its rich cultural diversity, natural beauty, and affordability, Southeast Asia is increasingly becoming a preferred choice for vacationers and business travelers alike. The growing number of flights between India and countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia is opening up new avenues for travel and business opportunities, contributing to the overall growth of tourism in both regions.
Expanding Global Connectivity Through Southeast Asia
Airlines in India are also capitalizing on the growing potential of Southeast Asia for connecting passengers to destinations beyond the region. Increased connectivity through hubs in India is allowing travelers from Southeast Asia to access Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia with ease. The strategic expansion of routes and the addition of direct flights to underserved markets are opening up a wealth of opportunities for both business and leisure travelers.
This trend shows that airlines are not only catering to the needs of outbound travelers but are also positioning themselves as key players in the global air travel market by offering seamless connections to international hubs.
A Bright Future for Travel in Southeast Asia
With the continued expansion of Indian airline networks in Southeast Asia, passengers are set to benefit from more flight options, better connectivity, and improved services. As competition grows, airfares are expected to remain stable, offering travelers more affordable and accessible options for exploring one of the most dynamic and popular travel regions in the world.
link