The Indian no-frills carrier SpiceJet will launch a non-stop regular service between Bangkok and Delhi next month.
The debut will make SpiceJet the first low-cost carrier (LCC) to operate on the route, which is already frequented by two full-service airlines -- Thai Airways International and Air India.
SpiceJet will start offering six weekly flights on the Bangkok-Delhi route on April 15, before ramping up to daily service, effective on May 9, SpiceJet executives told the Bangkok Post.
The airline intends to use Boeing 737-900ERs, configured with 212 seats, on the route.
SpiceJet will offer a cheaper travel option with much lower fares than those being charged by the flag carriers of Thailand and India.
A basic Bangkok-Delhi round-trip fare as quoted by SpiceJet is around 7,000 baht, compared with those offered by legacy airlines, which are priced up to 13,000.
SpiceJet's new route launch came with a decision to terminate its Bangkok-Chennai service on April 15.
Poor traffic demand was cited for ending the route.
SpiceJet's other route to Bangkok, from Kolkata, remains available with a daily service operated by a Boeing 737-900ER.
The new LCC travel option offered by SpiceJet is expected to complement Thailand's drive to attract more Indian tourists by reducing costs.
Thailand's recently-approved extension of its free visa scheme by another six months to Aug 31 this year benefits citizens from 21 countries, including India.
Citizens of applicable countries will not have to pay the 1,000 baht visa processing fee at Thai embassies or consular offices.
SpiceJet expects to fill 30-40% of the seats on its Bangkok-Delhi route with Thai citizens, mostly on leisure visits to India.