AirAsia continues India expansion with Bangkok-Varanasi direct flight

BANGKOK, 17 September, 2019 - AirAsia heralds the year-end Buddhist pilgrimage season with the introduction of a direct flight between Bangkok Don Mueang and Varanasi, India.

Commencing on 25 November 2019, the four times weekly service will allow travellers to reach the 4,000-year-old holy city by the Ganges and the site of the Buddha’s first sermon.

Varanasi, located in northern Uttar Pradesh state, is one of India’s holiest cities. It is home to a thriving Hindu community that lives along the Ganges, and visitors can cruise along the sacred river and stop at its many ports to witness aarti or Hindu fire ceremony, the faithful bathing in the Ganges and many more Hindu rites. Numerous other travel sites can also be found in and around Varanasi, including Ramnagar Fort, a fine example of Mughal architecture set beside the Ganges.

For Buddhist pilgrims, Varanasi provides the perfect starting point for a journey to Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon. One of the four holy sites in Buddhism, Sarnath is only 13km away from Varanasi and is a must-visit for Buddhists.

AirAsia Thailand CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya said, “India presents a fantastic opportunity for AirAsia, thanks to its high growth potential and strong spending power. Today’s announcement gives younger Thai travelers and religious pilgrims the opportunity to experience Varanasi’s rich, vibrant culture, while at the same time encourage the people of Varanasi to explore Bangkok’s many sights and attractions.”

India’s Government has also announced a reduction to visa fees and a visa on arrival service at many of its airports, making travel to the country more affordable than ever.

To celebrate the new service, AirAsia is offering promotional all-in members fares for Bangkok-Varanasi starting from only THB2,690* one way. Book from now until 29 September 2019 for travel from 25 November 2019 to 28 March 2020 on airasia.com or the AirAsia mobile app.

In addition to Varanasi, AirAsia also operates direct services between Bangkok Don Mueang and Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Jaipur, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Gaya (seasonal) in India.

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* Promotional all-in-fares are for AirAsia BIG members only. All-in non-member fares start from THB2,730 for one-way travel, inclusive of taxes.

Flight schedule for Bangkok Don Mueang-Varanasi commencing 25 November 2019