AirAsia restores India routes from Don Mueang and grows Japan flights for winter

Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X are restoring international routes and adding flights for the winter travel season. Their September 22, 2026, announcement describes a combined network of 53 direct routes to 46 cities from Bangkok Don Mueang.

For travelers, the most concrete changes are the return dates for suspended routes and the planned Japan frequencies. The two airlines have different flight codes, FD and XJ, so check which carrier operates each part of a booking.

India routes return in stages

In the official announcement, Thai AirAsia says Don Mueang–Gaya flights return on October 25. Ahmedabad follows on November 6. Guwahati, Hyderabad and Lucknow return on November 16, with Jaipur following on November 17.

The airline says these six restored routes support an Indian network of 11 cities. That is a network total, not six brand-new destinations. AirAsia explains that it had reduced frequencies and suspended some routes during the third quarter because of demand and fuel costs.

Two other FD routes are scheduled to resume on October 25: Don Mueang–Kuala Lumpur and Phuket–Siem Reap. The Kuala Lumpur route connects two major centers in the group's network; consult the Kuala Lumpur airport guide when planning the onward airport visit.

The announcement does not publish a complete timetable for every restored route. Confirm the operating weekdays and arrival times before arranging a short visit or a separate connection.

Japan gets more Thai AirAsia X flights

Thai AirAsia X lists up to 21 weekly flights to Tokyo and up to 14 to Osaka. Sapporo service begins October 1 at up to four weekly flights, rising to a maximum of seven a week from December 1. Nagoya starts October 2 with four weekly flights.

The release also lists four weekly services each to New Delhi and Almaty. These are the XJ services in the announcement, distinct from the FD route restorations.

The word “up to” matters when using the Japan figures. A maximum weekly frequency does not mean every date has that level of service. Look at the actual week you intend to travel.

For airport background, Lounge Frog covers Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda. Tokyo is a city with more than one major airport; use the airport on the confirmed itinerary when choosing hotels and onward transport.

Connect through the correct terminal

Don Mueang's international Terminal 1 and domestic Terminal 2 serve different parts of the journey. A domestic feeder flight can therefore involve more than a walk to the next gate.

Check whether your full journey is sold as a connection and whether bags are checked through. The network announcement does not establish those conditions for separately booked tickets.

For a long international wait, Lounge Frog lists the Miracle Lounge in Terminal 1 and Coral Executive Lounge in Terminal 1. Verify entry rules, hours and guest charges before planning a visit.

What the winter plan changes

The restored routes widen the range of trips that can be made without changing planes in another city. Higher Japan frequencies can also provide more choice of departure day, especially during the peak season.

The release does not specify a new lounge entitlement, a uniform baggage allowance or a cabin upgrade across these flights. Compare the fare and operator as well as the route map.

For a fixed holiday, the best use of the announcement is to identify a possible flight, then verify its current schedule. That keeps a useful expansion plan from becoming an assumption about a service that may run only on selected days.