Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday, October 26, inaugurated the first direct IndiGo international flight between Gaya and Bangkok via video conferencing from Patna, the Chief Minister's Office said. The first flight departed Gaya Airport for Bangkok the same day.
Source: ANI via LatestLY
At Gaya Airport, District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar and the Airport Director lit a ceremonial lamp to mark the launch, in the presence of Imamganj MLA Deepa Manjhi and Belaganj MLA Manorama Devi, according to the Chief Minister's Office.
Source: ANI via LatestLY
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said the first non-stop international flight service by IndiGo between Gaya and Bangkok had been launched, adding that the service will strengthen Bihar's international air connectivity and boost tourism, cultural exchange and economic activity.
Source: ANI via LatestLY
Twice-a-week non-stop service
IndiGo said the non-stop flights between Gaya and Bangkok began on October 26 and will operate twice a week, further strengthening the airline's India-Thailand network and creating a direct air bridge between two destinations connected through centuries of shared Buddhist heritage. The service is expected to bolster international connectivity from Bihar and ease travel for pilgrims and tourists visiting Bodh Gaya.
Source: ET TravelWorld (Economic Times)
The route was approved by the Bihar cabinet in May 2026, when InterGlobe Aviation, which runs IndiGo, was selected as the operator for the Gaya-Bangkok service. The state government sanctioned viability gap funding of Rs 10.40 crore for one year — yaani about Rs 5 lakh of support per round trip — to keep the service viable. With the launch, Gaya becomes the only town in Bihar with a regular direct international flight, according to the cabinet approval reports.
Source: GKToday
Bodh Gaya, near Gaya, is one of Buddhism's holiest sites and draws large numbers of pilgrims from Thailand and other countries every year. Officials said the direct service will offer greater convenience to foreign tourists and travellers visiting Bodh Gaya and is set to give tourism in the region a boost.