Thiruvananthapuram Eyes Direct Flights to Thailand, Vietnam

04 Aug 2025 CW Team

Currently, passengers must take connecting flights via hubs such as Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, often adding over 10 hours to their journey. The proposed direct flights—reducing travel time to approximately five hours—will not only streamline transit but also encourage greater tourism and business activity between Kerala and Southeast Asia.

Airport authorities have confirmed they are in advanced discussions with multiple airlines and relevant regulatory bodies. Several carriers have shown interest in expanding operations from the city, including launching new routes and increasing flight frequencies to Thailand and Vietnam. Tour operators report growing interest from travellers exploring the region, especially to Ho Chi Minh City, with many combining trips to Vietnam and Cambodia.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance Thiruvananthapuram’s status as a major international hub. The airport currently offers direct flights to destinations including Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Sharjah, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, and the Maldives. The addition of Southeast Asian routes will further elevate its network reach.

With rising international passenger volumes, airport authorities are investing in service upgrades and infrastructure expansion. Passenger traffic is expected to grow from current levels to approximately 3.96 million by 2030, 5.32 million by 2040, and 11.45 million by 2070.

Improved air links are also expected to generate broader economic benefits. Increased international tourist arrivals will support the local economy through growth in hospitality, retail, logistics, and manufacturing sectors. Enhanced trade ties with Southeast Asia could also attract investment in technology and industrial development.

This connectivity initiative aligns with wider regional development goals and positions Thiruvananthapuram as a key gateway for international movement of people and goods. As Southeast Asia continues to emerge as a global economic powerhouse, stronger air links will be essential for sustaining growth and prosperity across the region.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is preparing to launch direct flights to Thailand and Vietnam in response to increasing demand from travellers. The move is set to significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and enhance access to two of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations.Currently, passengers must take connecting flights via hubs such as Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, often adding over 10 hours to their journey. The proposed direct flights—reducing travel time to approximately five hours—will not only streamline transit but also encourage greater tourism and business activity between Kerala and Southeast Asia.Airport authorities have confirmed they are in advanced discussions with multiple airlines and relevant regulatory bodies. Several carriers have shown interest in expanding operations from the city, including launching new routes and increasing flight frequencies to Thailand and Vietnam. Tour operators report growing interest from travellers exploring the region, especially to Ho Chi Minh City, with many combining trips to Vietnam and Cambodia.This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance Thiruvananthapuram’s status as a major international hub. The airport currently offers direct flights to destinations including Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Sharjah, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, and the Maldives. The addition of Southeast Asian routes will further elevate its network reach.With rising international passenger volumes, airport authorities are investing in service upgrades and infrastructure expansion. Passenger traffic is expected to grow from current levels to approximately 3.96 million by 2030, 5.32 million by 2040, and 11.45 million by 2070.Improved air links are also expected to generate broader economic benefits. Increased international tourist arrivals will support the local economy through growth in hospitality, retail, logistics, and manufacturing sectors. Enhanced trade ties with Southeast Asia could also attract investment in technology and industrial development.This connectivity initiative aligns with wider regional development goals and positions Thiruvananthapuram as a key gateway for international movement of people and goods. As Southeast Asia continues to emerge as a global economic powerhouse, stronger air links will be essential for sustaining growth and prosperity across the region.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..