Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport welcomed a new player in the skies this weekend. Vietjet Thailand, the low-cost carrier, successfully launched its much-anticipated direct flight service connecting Bangkok and the City of Joy.
Touchdown After a Delay
The inaugural Vietjet Thailand flight from Bangkok finally touched down in Kolkata on Saturday evening. This arrival came after an initial postponement. The airline had originally announced the commencement of services from November 16, but the launch was delayed due to operational reasons related to aircraft availability.
The first flight arrived in Kolkata at 10:30 PM on Saturday. The return leg, marking the start of regular operations, departed from Kolkata for Bangkok at 12:50 AM on Sunday.
Flight Schedule and Fierce Competition
The new route will operate on a four-day weekly schedule. Flights from Bangkok will arrive in Kolkata on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The return flights from Kolkata to Bangkok will depart on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
Vietjet Thailand enters a crowded and competitive market segment. It now vies for passengers with five established airlines on the Kolkata-Bangkok corridor:
- IndiGo Airlines
- Thai Airways
- Bhutan Airlines
- Thai AirAsia
- Lion Air
Notably, IndiGo also operates a daily flight connecting Kolkata and Phuket, further intensifying the competition for Thailand-bound travelers from Eastern India.
The Three-Class Trump Card
In a market dominated by low-cost and full-service carriers, Vietjet Thailand plans to differentiate itself with a unique service model. Despite being a budget airline, it will operate a three-class configuration, offering different fare tiers to cater to a wide spectrum of passengers.
"Vietjet is a low-cost airline but what sets it apart is the three-class service at different fares," noted prominent travel agent Anil Punjabi. He confirmed receiving multiple passenger enquiries about the new airline and its offerings, indicating initial market interest.
This strategy allows the airline to target both cost-conscious travelers and those seeking enhanced comfort, potentially carving a niche in the competitive landscape. The successful launch adds another international connection for Kolkata, providing more options for leisure and business travelers heading to Southeast Asia.
