Patna (Bihar) [India], October 26 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday inaugurated the first direct IndiGo international flight between Gaya and Bangkok via video conferencing in Patna.
In a post on X, the chief minister said, "The first non-stop international flight service by IndiGo Airlines between Gaya and Bangkok was launched from the residence of the Lok Sevak."
"This new air service will strengthen Bihar’s international air connectivity. Furthermore, it will boost tourism, encourage cultural exchange, and provide fresh momentum to economic activities," he wrote.
लोक सेवक आवास से गयाजी और बैंकॉक के बीच इंडिगो एयरलाइंस की पहली नॉन-स्टॉप अंतरराष्ट्रीय उड़ान सेवा का शुभारंभ किया। इस नई हवाई सेवा से बिहार की अंतरराष्ट्रीय हवाई कनेक्टिविटी सुदृढ़ होगी। साथ ही पर्यटन को बढ़ावा, सांस्कृतिक आदान-प्रदान को प्रोत्साहन और आर्थिक गतिविधियों को नई गति मिलेगी। #AirConnectivity
— Samrat Choudhary (@samrat4bjp) October 26, 2026
According to the Chief Minister's Office, international air connectivity for Gaya has received a significant boost, with the first-ever direct IndiGo flight departing from Gaya Airport for Bangkok. Present at the airport for the occasion were District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar, the Airport Director, Imamganj MLA Deepa Manjhi, and Belaganj MLA Manorama Devi.
The launch of the direct service will offer great convenience to foreign tourists and travellers visiting Bodh Gaya. The move is set to boost tourism.
Additionally, the event was inaugurated at Gaya Airport by District Magistrate Shashank Shubhankar and the Airport Director, who lit a ceremonial lamp.
The introduction of this direct flight to Bangkok will greatly benefit travellers flying between Gaya and Bangkok. It is considered particularly significant for foreign tourists and Buddhist pilgrims who visit Bodh Gaya during the tourism season. Bodh Gaya is the site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, drawing a large number of pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad every year, as per the CMO.
The commencement of both domestic and international flights is expected to strengthen the connectivity of Gaya Airport. The initiative will provide greater convenience to foreign tourists, Buddhist pilgrims, and other travellers visiting Bodh Gaya.
Furthermore, easier access to tourist destinations in Bihar is likely to provide a boost to the tourism sector.
Overall, the launch of new flights from Gaya Airport marks a significant step toward further establishing Bihar on the international tourism map.
It is anticipated that improved air connectivity will lead to an increase in the number of domestic and international tourists visiting major tourist destinations in Bihar, including Bodh Gaya, as per the CMO. (ANI)
