More flights to Thailand and Malaysia as visa-free entry spurs Indian traffic

In the autumn of 2023, Thailand and Malaysia extended visa-free entry to Indian nationals in the hope of attracting tourists from the country at a time when they were travelling overseas like never before.

- Sukalp Sharma

Slow post-pandemic economic recovery in China had evidently hit tourist inflows to Southeast Asian hotspots, while India's recovery in terms of international passenger traffic was booming. Meanwhile, emerging destinations in other regions, particularly Central Asia and the Caucasus, also picked up in terms of interest among Indian tourists.

A year on, both Southeast Asian nations appear pleased with the results, so much so that they have decided to extend the visa-free entry facility for Indian passport holders further. Aviation and travel industry insiders say the visa waivers have stimulated demand for travel to Thailand and Malaysia, which airlines have recognised.