Thai Airways International vs IndiGo

Thai runs everything through Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and, as of January 2026, served 51 international and 9 domestic destinations in 29 countries, concentrated on Europe, Asia and Oceania. IndiGo's main hub is Delhi, with bases at Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad, and a mid-2026 analysis cites 141 destinations. On India to Bangkok, IndiGo flies direct from cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kochi, and Thai sells Bangkok fares from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

Thai offers Royal Silk (business), Premium Economy and Economy, depending on the aircraft. Its fleet is being streamlined to four types, with a cabin overhaul planned for 2027, so seats will change over time. IndiGo is almost entirely economy. Its IndiGoStretch business product, introduced in November 2024, is available only on selected flights and includes complimentary meals and advance seat selection. IndiGo's economy has no seatback screens, so bring your own entertainment.

Thai's official allowance is one cabin bag of up to 7 kg. For tickets issued from late 2025 for travel from 2 March 2026, Economy Saver and Standard include 1 x 23 kg checked, and Royal Silk includes 2 x 32 kg. Older tickets keep the weight-based allowance. IndiGo's low fares are unbundled: pre-assigned seats, priority check-in and extra baggage are paid add-ons. Compare the total price including bags and seat, not just the headline fare, and check each airline's site for your fare.

Thai serves meals on international flights, with Thai and international dishes that vary by route, and you can pre-select up to 72 hours before departure. On IndiGo, economy passengers buy food on board, while IndiGoStretch passengers get complimentary meals. Entertainment on IndiGo is limited to streaming to your own device, as there are no seatback screens in economy. On a short India to Bangkok flight, a meal is included on Thai but is an extra on IndiGo economy.

Cirium reported 79.29% on-time arrivals for Thai in June 2025. IndiGo's December 2025 scheduling crisis led to thousands of cancellations. This was an operational disruption rather than a safety event. Chief executive Pieter Elbers resigned in March 2026 and Willie Walsh was named as his successor. Check current schedules and the airline's disruption policy before booking, especially for tight connections. Thai tickets can connect you onward within Star Alliance.

Thai belongs to Star Alliance and runs Royal Orchid Plus, with Royal Orchid and Royal Silk lounges. IndiGo has no alliance and runs BluChip, though it has codeshares, including AEGEAN, announced in September 2025. Both are expanding long-haul: Thai has Boeing 787s on order and relies on the A350-900, 777-300ER and 787 family, while IndiGo took its first A321XLR in January 2026, wet-leases widebodies and has ordered 60 Airbus A350-900s, with deliveries expected from 2027.