Thailand’s low-cost airline Nok Air will resume direct flights from Mumbai and Hyderabad to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) starting October 26, 2025, coinciding with the beginning of the winter travel season.

The carrier will operate daily flights from Mumbai and four weekly services from Hyderabad, reinstating routes that had been paused during the summer months. The move highlights Nok Air’s renewed focus on the Indian market, offering travellers easier access to Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, wellness retreats, and beach destinations.

From Bangkok, passengers will have convenient connections to popular Thai holiday spots such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Chiang Rai, along with niche travel segments including golf tours, destination weddings, and spa getaways.

Nok Air will offer two fare categories on these routes:

• Nok Air X-tra: 20 kg checked baggage, 7 kg cabin baggage, premium seat selection, in-flight entertainment, and a complimentary snack box with water.
  

• Nok Max: 30 kg checked baggage, 7 kg cabin baggage, premium seat selection, and a complimentary snack box with water.
  

Flight Schedule:

• Mumbai – Bangkok
  

• DD939: Departs 02:10, arrives 08:05 (daily)
  

• DD938: Departs 22:10, arrives 01:10 (daily)
  

• Hyderabad – Bangkok
  

• DD959: Departs 00:45, arrives 06:05 (Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat)
  

• DD958: Departs 21:30, arrives 23:45 (Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun)
  

Ramesh Marwah, Director at DEX Group (Nok Air’s GSA in India), said the timing is ideal for peak travel demand. “There is strong demand for leisure travel, MICE, weddings, and golf tourism from India to Thailand. We will work closely with trade partners, online travel agencies, and industry federations to support and grow these segments,” he noted.

Nok Air, operated by Nok Airlines Public Company Limited, has a fleet of 14 Boeing 737-800 aircraft and operates an extensive domestic network in Thailand alongside select international services to India and China. Positioned as a premium budget carrier, the airline combines competitive fares with added comfort, including spacious seating and in-flight entertainment.

In a move that brings India’s island charm to global attention, the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has opened two new resorts under its SeleQtions brand in Lakshadweep. Nestled within the untouched beauty of the archipelago, the 60-room Bangaram Island Resort and the glamping-style Coral Pearl are designed to offer a unique and sustainable retreat for travellers.

The Coral Pearl resort features 50 luxury tents set against the serene backdrop of Lakshadweep’s white sandy beaches. Meanwhile, Bangaram Island Resort focuses on eco-conscious hospitality, inviting guests to connect with nature while enjoying comfort and luxury.

Visitors to the islands can dive into adventure with activities like scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling, and guided nature trails, each curated to explore the region’s rich marine biodiversity.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of IHCL, shared his thoughts on the launch:

“In keeping with IHCL’s legacy of pioneering destinations in India, the two resorts on Bangaram island put Lakshadweep on the global tourism map. Reflective of our ethos of responsible tourism, the eco-resorts set in the pristine white beaches offer distinctive experiences rooted in the local essence.”

With this launch, IHCL continues its journey of opening up new travel experiences rooted in India’s diverse landscapes. The addition of these Lakshadweep resorts extends their island offering and adds a fresh option for travellers seeking exclusivity and tranquillity.

IHCL currently operates a portfolio of 400 hotels globally, including 151 in the pipeline, spread across four continents, 14 countries, and over 150 destinations.

In recent developments, the group also announced a Taj-branded hotel in Naina Tikker, Himachal Pradesh, with 120 rooms and stunning views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. Additionally, it has signed a new Gateway hotel in Pune, Maharashtra, further strengthening its footprint in India.

Air India’s Chief Executive Officer, Campbell Wilson, has reaffirmed the airline’s strong focus on safety while announcing a full return of international operations by October 1, 2025. This development follows a phased resumption of services that began on August 1, after the airline voluntarily initiated a “Safety Pause” in June in the wake of the AI171 incident.

In a communication shared with Maharaja Club members, Wilson highlighted the airline’s transparent approach and ongoing collaboration with regulatory bodies, particularly the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). He stated that comprehensive inspections were carried out across the Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleet, with no issues found. Further checks on the fuel control switch mechanisms of Boeing 737 and 787-8 aircraft also showed normal results.

“We continue to work closely with regulators, maintaining full transparency and ensuring that every action we take aligns with the highest standards of safety and care,” Wilson said.

The temporary pause, first announced on June 19, allowed Air India to intensify pre-flight inspections and manage disruptions caused by regional airspace closures. The downtime was used strategically to upgrade aircraft reliability and improve delay management processes.

Wilson emphasized that all Air India aircraft undergo multi-layered safety checks prior to departure, and each flight is monitored in real time by the Integrated Operations Control Centre. The airline’s engineering and crew teams are regularly trained at the Air India Training Academy, strictly following the latest international safety standards.

Air India also operates under a comprehensive Safety Management System aligned with both DGCA and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) norms. The airline is subject to annual audits by the DGCA and undergoes bi-annual IATA Operational Safety Audits conducted by external experts. According to Wilson, the DGCA recently assessed Air India's audit findings as “entirely normal” for an airline of its size.

Since its privatization, Air India has collaborated with aviation consultancy Oliver Wyman/CAVOK for a full safety assessment and has partnered with Boeing for an Operational Efficacy Program aimed at upgrading internal systems.

Acknowledging recent service disruptions, Wilson assured flyers that corrective steps are actively being implemented. He also mentioned that the ongoing fleet retrofit program remains on schedule to enhance the in-flight experience.

“So, whenever you choose to fly with Air India, know that your trust is valued and your journey safeguarded by our entire Air India family,” Wilson concluded.