New Delhi07 Sep 22 1 Traveller Economy
Showing International Flight from Mumbai
About Mumbai
Mumbai is to India is what New York is to America, a city of dreams. The place with its rich heritage and urbane culture has since forever brought forth people from all walks of life together. It is also recognised as the commercial capital of India with over millions of migrants flocking over from different parts of the country and even world! Mumbai is the second big city in India after Delhi and has a busy airport as well as an active lifestyle. The city has far too many beautiful places to visit and culture to take in. Mumbai has been named after Mumba Devi and is the state Maharashtra's capital. The flight connectivity of Mumbai is splendid with various major cities in the world, making it one of the most important cities.
Best time to visit Mumbai
Fixing an ideal season to visit Mumbai can be tricky as the city is always bustling with energy and travellers. The winters in Mumbai are pleasant as the temperatures drop, and the city's festive spirit takes over. Even though the atmosphere is humid during winter, the city life would not cease to amaze you. Mumbai's monsoon is legendary as everybody loves and hates the city's rains at the same time. From June to September, the city of Mumbai experiences heavy rain which could be cumbersome for travelling but beautiful nevertheless. Flight tickets to Mumbai are often a little pricey as the city is an important commercial hub. The living expenses and accommodation has a range from cheap to extravagant. You can book a hotel in Mumbai or pick the hostel life.
Places to visit in Mumbai
The city is full of vibrant places and heritages to explore. The top attractions of Mumbai include the Gateway of India. Located right at the Colaba bay is the beautiful gate-like structure build by the Britishers. The structure continues to attract tourists to this day as it faces the beautiful Arabian Sea on one side and the Taj Mahal hotel on the other. While you're exploring South Mumbai, you should check out the ancient Asian Library which is located at Horniman Circle. The steps of the library is a prime spot for concerts hosted by Kala Ghoda Festival. You should also visit the Taraporewala Aquarium which has some beautiful marine life, including the remains of an enormous whale. The Nehru Planetarium located in Worli is an interesting complex where you will be blessed with some fabulous mysteries of the universe.
Beaches
Located on the coast, Mumbai's shores touch the Arabian Sea. The crowded beaches might not be clean as compared to some of the pristine blue shores of Goa or Kerala, but the vibrant energy of people enjoying the sunset on the beach is a wholesome experience. You can check out beaches such as Juhu Beach, Versova Beach, Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, Gorai Beach and Aksa Beach, to name a few. A little away from the city centre lies this untouched beach called Rajodi Beach, where you can actually learn how to surf.
Pilgrimage
Mumbai is also famous for its love for Lord Ganesha. The famous Siddhivinayak Temple is interestingly located at the heart of the city, in Dadar. The temple sees a staggering footfall regularly as many devotees worship the power of Lord Ganesha. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the pandals built around the temple looks exquisite. Another important pilgrimage is the Haji Ali, located on the Arabian Sea and connected to the city by a narrow bridge. Close to the Haji Ali is the Mahalakshmi Temple, also nestled by the edge of the sea. You should also visit Mount Mary in Bandra. Other important temples include Mumba Devi and ISKCON.
Things to do in Mumbai
Walk on the promenade popularly known as Marine Drive
The much-hyped Marine Drive, also known as Queen's Necklace, is a promenade constructed by the city. Many movies have been shot with Marine Drive as the backdrop. There is literally no reason yet every reason to check out this place, sit over the promenade and stare at the wide sea.
Shop at Colaba Causeway Market
Colaba Causeway is another prominent marketplace in the city that is forever crowded. Causeway's collection of accessories, clothes, chappals and the area, everything is a vibe that you'd want to be a part of. Plus, famous cafes such as Mondegar and Leopold are also located here.
Spend a day at Goregaon Film City
Mumbai's biggest highlight and gift to the world is Bollywood. Home to one of the biggest film industries in the world, the Goregaon Film City is one such place you simply cannot miss when in the city. Watch the actors play their roles in a make-believe set that you've always watched in the comfort of your couch at home.
Explore the Sanjay Gandhi National Park
A little away from the city centre is the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as the city's lungs, is a vast expanse of lush green forest. You can rent cycles and explore the national park, opt for trekking and trek the trails leading to Kanheri Caves or simply just pack a lunch and indulge in some picnic at the park.
Food and Restaurants in Mumbai
The list of places with the best food in Mumbai is exhausting. The city, with its urban lifestyle, has a type of restaurant and food for every kind of crowd. For the ones who want to get their hands dirty (literally) with Mumbai's street food culture, Khao gallis is the place to be at. There are many Khao gallis in the city, starting from Churchgate to Ghatkopar. These lanes are dedicated spots for hawkers and street food owners to sell their speciality. You'll find vada pavs, pav bhaji stalls, chat corners, Anna with his slew of South Indian dishes like idli, vada, dosa, guys selling small street pizzas, frankie rolls, etc.
For the ones who wish to indulge in some pricey lounge setting, you should head to Masala Library, Gaylord, Hakkasan, The Bombay Canteen, Olive, The Clearing House, Bastian, Wasabi, to name a few. These places are celebrated and have been founded by renowned chefs from the culinary field. If you do not have any preferences as such, then you should visit some of the popular cafes and restaurants that have been part of Mumbai for a long time. These include Kyani's, Britannia & Co, Bademiya, Cafe Madras, Cafe Mondegar, Sardar Pav Bhaji, Cafe Gulshan, Cafe Leopold, O Pedro, Imbiss, to name a few.
How to reach Mumbai
By Air
Mumbai is one of the busiest cities in India, as is the city's domestic and international airport. As the commercial capital of the country, the city's domestic and international airports are admirably connected to big cities in the country and globally. Flights to and from Mumbai fly to various big cities in India such as Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Guwahati and basically most of the cities in the country. Formerly known by the name Sahar International Airport, the airport was re-christened to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Terminal 2) while the domestic airport has been named Santacruz Airport (Terminal 1). It is important for you to know from which terminal you'll be boarding the flight from Mumbai as they are located in two diverse sides of the city.
The airport has major Indian and international airlines stationed at the airport. These include IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Etihad Airways, Emirates and more. Mumbai's international routes are crowded too as there are multitudes of flights flying to global cities namely, New York, San Francisco, Dubai, Hong Kong, Beijing, London, Tokyo and more. Travelling from the airport within the city is quite convenient as there are taxi cabs, Ola and Uber services, rickshaws and buses that can be found right outside the airport. In fact, 1 km away from the airport is the Mumbai Metro which connects the city's varied geography.
By Rail
The railway network of Mumbai is touted to be one of the best in the city. It has direct train connections to various cities in India. These cities include Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad and more. The city has two main terminals namely Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Mumbai Central, from where you can take outstation trains. However, much recently, they opened the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, which also connects to various parts of the country. There are mail trains and express trains that travel from the Mumbai city, including Mumbai Rajdhani, Duronto, Konkan Kanya Express and more. The excellent connectivity of Mumbai with other cities makes it easy to traverse.
By Road
Major national highways connect Mumbai to various parts of India. You can literally take a road trip to anywhere you want from Mumbai without any hassle. In fact, you can travel from any part of the country and reach Mumbai with its impeccable roadway connections. Not to mention how there are several buses run by the state and private owners that travel from the city regularly. Many travellers often opt for road trips as the roads leading up to Mumbai are beautiful. Travelling by buses is quite economical as well.
About Thai Airways
Thai Airways International Public Co. Ltd., or popularly known as Thai Airways, is a national enterprise that caters as the national flag carrier airline of Thailand. The airlines came into existence in 1988 with its headquarters located in Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Chatuchak District of Bangkok. The airline primarily operates from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Thai Airways is also known to be a founding member of the Star Alliance. Along with Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand, Phuket International Airport is the second hub to the airline. Thai Airways operates flights to 84 destinations sprawled across 37 countries in the world. It has a fleet of 90 aircraft or more. A majority of Thai Airways' international routes are dominated by flights flying to South and Southwest Asia, East Asia and Europe. Thai Airways is recognised to be the first Asia-Pacific airline that serves flights to London Heathrow Airport. With respect to its Asia-Pacific origin, the carrier is also known to have the largest passenger operations in Europe.
Thai Airways is subordinated by the Ministry of Transport and is a public enterprise registered in The Securities Exchange of Thailand. The airline is also funded by the Ministry of Finance which holds a whopping share of more than 50 per cent. Thai Airways' major revenue comes from passenger and goods transportation. In fact, 95 per cent comes from the flight operations to connect passengers and cargo, while only 5 per cent is earned through other supporting means. Other supporting ventures include passenger services, in-flight services, flight administrator services, travelling support services, in-flight meals and other services, etc.
It is believed that Thai Airways' major financial woes started due to the actions of buying every type of aircraft that was being created and manufactured. Investing in an array of diverse aircraft came with its expenses such as that of training professionals to work around the different models and engines. Not to mention how the aircraft also demanded some high maintenance. All this resulted in some financial concerns. While the expansion plans continued, the airlines also commenced its very first direct and non-stop flight to New York from Bangkok in 2005. This became the non-stop service to North America. Adding to the trend, the airline also introduced a flight to connect to Los Angeles with one stop service in Tokyo.
However, the services to New York were stopped in 2008, with the airline citing high fuel costs. They also stopped services to Los Angeles but reverted it again to the same on-stop phase connecting Seoul instead of Tokyo, as the route to LA. Further in its expansion plans, Thai Airways introduced non-stop flights from Phuket to Seoul-Incheon, Tokyo-Narita and Hong Kong. The airline has even launched a regional carrier called Thai Smile which has a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft to operate for domestic routes in Thailand.
Fleet size of Thai Airways
As of 2020, Thai Airways boasts a fleet of 74 aircraft which also comprises of six Airbus A380-800 and fourteen Boeing 777-300ER. A breakdown of the fleet includes around three to four Boeing 747-400, twelve Airbus A350-900, six Boeing 777-300, six Boeing 777-200, six Boeing 777-200ER, about three to five Airbus A330-300, two Boeing 787-9 and six Boeing 787-8. The airline maintains three maintenance centres namely, Don Mueang International Airport, U-Tapao International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Baggage Allowance
Baggage allowance in Thai Airways differs for different classes. First-class or Royal First should weigh not more than 32 kg which can be divided into two bags. The dimensions of the bags are also important. For business class or Royal Silk, the weight cannot exceed 32 kgs and must or can be divided into two bags. The economy class also has the provision of two bags, but the weight cannot surpass 23 kg. These bags are allowed in the in-flight cabin. Dimensions for all the bags are 62 inches.
In-flight services
Royal First Class - Some of the fabulous in-flight services available in Thai Airways include an exquisite personal array of flavours that cater to all kinds of delicacies. All the delicious spread comes with a flute of fancy vintage champagne or one of your favourite cocktail or glasses of wine or drinks. From a platter of amuse-bouche to a choice of main course dishes, there are many good upscale dishes to look forward to. The seats of the first class have been refurbished in 2012 and are extremely comfortable. These are available on Airbus A380-800 aircraft as well as a select few Boeing 747-400 aircraft. They come with an enclosed suite-like structure to cater to the passenger's privacy. Not to mention how it also comes with some entertainment decks, contents of which you can check on the airline's website. There are magazines, WiFi connections as well as plug points for laptops and other devices.
Royal Silk Class - Royal Silk Class, also offers a lovely spread of food that would take passengers through a culinary experience. Thai Airways has in-flight meal services which range from intercontinental platters to regional meals. Individuals who have dietary restrictions will need to inform the airlines in advance. The food is accompanied by liquor as well as complimentary dessert and fruit. Royal Silk Class, also known as the business class, has an angled shell design seat. The seats have been refurbished, and the new seats have been installed in Royal Silk class of 777-300ERs. The reclining chair can be converted into the lounge as well as it extends to become a bed. The hospitality in the business class is just as good as the one in first class. The personalised seating arrangement is topped with USB ports for devices, 16 inch flat screens for entertainment and PC power points for charging batteries.
Premium Economy Class - Premium Economy Class comes with a hot meal and snack, primarily depending on the flight's duration as well as the time of the flight. The menu created by chefs of Thai Airways sees inspiration from Thailand's rich flavours. The food includes a salad, bread, fresh fruit or dessert as well as some a juice or hot beverage. Some of the Thai Airways flights also accommodate Premium Economy Class. These are a notch above the economy class, which has the amenities and in-flight services that are similar to economy class. You can surf social media and connect with the in-flight WiFi services also available in the cabin.
Economy Class - One of the best parts about Thai Airways' cuisine is that the in-flight meal services help support local farmers. The fresh ingredients handpicked by them are used to make food, which caters to economy class too, depending on the distance of the journey. Not to mention how the food also comes with the classic flavours of Thailand. You will need to make prior intimations to the airline if there are some food restrictions that you need. The economy class might not be blessed with exquisite details and services of the first-class or business class, but it also has enough facilities to make travel comfortable. There are lavatories located throughout the economy class for passengers. Plus, the in-flight services also include a personal pillow and a blanket. On request, the cabin crew also offers earplugs and eyeshades.
Popular routes and top cities for Thai Airways
The most popular international routes taken by Thai Airways is South Asia and Europe. Aside from these, the airline also has services to the Australian continent. Some of the popular cities that are connected to Thai Airways include. Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Bangalore, Brisbane, Brussels, Busan, Chendu, Chennai, Chuang Mai, Chiang Rai, Colombo, Copenhagen, Delhi, Denpasar Bali, Dhaka, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hanoi, Fukuoka, Guangzhou, Hat Yai, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Khon Kaen, Kathmandu, Karachi, Koh Samui, Kolkata, Krabi, Lahore, Kunming, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Luang Prabang, Madrid, Melbourne, Manila, Milan, Mumbai, Moscow, Nagoya, Muscat, Munich, Osaka, Oslo, Paris, Phnom Penh, Penang, Perth, Phuket, Rome, Sapporo, Shanghai, Singapore, Seoul, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Taipei, Vientiane, Udon Thani, Vienna, Zurich, Xiamen and Yangon.
Why travel by Thai Airways?
Thai Airways is recognised for its excellent connection to various international cities in the world. As mentioned, some of the famous ones include London, Los Angeles, Zurich, Paris, Mumbai, Munich, Tokyo and more. With the airline providing services to such big international cities, it doesn't come as a surprise that many opt for them. The hospitality inclusive of in-flight services of Thai Airways is an experience unmatched. The first and business class cabins in Thai Airways flights take passengers through an unforgettable experience with their world-class services. It makes for all the price that the tickets cost. Speaking of which, you can book Thai Airways flights on various travel portals and agencies. This also includes their official website where you can get all the flight schedules to international destinations. Not to mention how you can also avail some great flight offers on Thai Airways' website. The array of aircraft offered by Thai Airways' fleet further adds to perks of choosing the airlines.
About Mumbai Airport
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which was acknowledged as Sahar International Airport, is a prominent international airport that serves the Mumbai metropolis. It is deemed to be the second busiest airport in India, after Delhi, with respect to international passenger traffic and cargo traffic. Recently, the airport crossed London's Gatwick Airport to become the world's busiest airports to operate a single runway at a time. The airport is sprawled across 1,850 acres and takes care of about 950 aircraft movements in a day. The airport has been awarded various titles including, "Best Airport in India and Central Asia". Mumbai airport is also recognised as one of the three airports to implement Airport Collaborative Decision Making in India. A-CDM has been implemented to ensure that the efficiency in terms of takeoffs and landings, along with other necessary facilities.
About Mumbai Airport Terminals
Initially, the Mumbai Airport, also previously known as Sahar International Airport, had both the international and domestic terminals located in the same airport. With the introduction of T2, the terminals were divided into dedicated domestic and international airports, sharing the same runway and airport complex. The domestic airport, also called the Santacruz Airport, served flights to primarily operate domestic airlines and low-cost carriers. Meanwhile, the international airport focussed on international airlines and flights flying out of the city. However, much recently, all the domestic and international flight activities have been shifted to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Terminal 2 has many provisions, including multi-level parking for 5,000 cars, 192 check-in counters, 60 immigration counters for departure, 14 baggage carousels and 76 immigration booths for arrival. There are many numerous lounges, including the GVK lounge, which is a luxury lounge. There are lounges for Business class travellers and first-class passengers as well.
About airport authority
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is owned and served by MIAL (Mumbai International Airport Private Limited). MIAL is a consortium of GVK Industries Ltd., Bidvest, Airports Company South Africa and Airports Authority of India. While the consortium holds 74 per cent ownership, the other 26 per cent is owned by the Airports Authority of India. Ever since the MIAL venture has come into existence, the international airport has witnessed tremendous infrastructural growth. There are tremendous improvements in terms of the aesthetics, passenger convenience, design and refurbishing of the domestic terminals 1A&1B as well as the international terminals 2B & 2C. A new domestic terminal 1C has also been introduced in Terminal 2. MIAL has also undertaken projects to improve the taxiways, aprons and rehabilitation of both the runways.
Facilities at the Mumbai Airport
Child care centres: To make travelling with young ones easier and convenient, special child care rooms have been created at the Mumbai Airport. The room is reserved to cater to the needs of young kids ranging from changing diapers to feeding and many such necessities. It is well-sanitised and is well-maintained to ensure that the mother feels safe. Baby strollers have also been made available at the airport
Smoking zones: Enclosed smoking rooms have been arranged for at the Mumbai Airport. The smoking lounges are facilitated to ensure that the atmosphere of the airport is smoke-free. You can also purchase packets at the airport.
WiFi and Telecommunication Services: WiFi and telecommunication services are also available at the Mumbai Airport. There are free WiFis and Premium WiFis available. This way, you wouldn't have to compromise on your business and professional obligations. You can also find SIM card facilities at the airport for a temporary SIM if you have come for a short period of time.
Medical Centre: The Mumbai Airport is well-equipped with medical services to cater to emergencies. There are ICU ambulances and medical centres catering to medical emergencies 24/7. They are spread out in the airport's vicinity.
Luggage services, cloak room and baggage trolleys: Special storage services have been accommodated where you can keep your luggage and other items. Other luggage facilities include depositing of the baggage at the domestic terminal and receiving them at the international terminal. You can also find baggage trolleys outside the airport as well as in the terminal.
ATMs and Currency exchange: The airport also has provisions for foreign exchange. The airport also has ATMs and other money-related facilities to make travelling more convenient for passengers. The airport has a bevy of foreign exchange counters, ATMs and banks.
Valet parking and other parking facilities: Mumbai airport also has valet parking and other parking services. You can pay a nominal fee and keep your car at the airport's parking zone. You can also avail from their valet parking services.
Play zone, prayer and meditation rooms: If you are travelling with kids, you can actually take them to the play area that has been reserved for kids. They are safe and child-friendly. The airport also has special rooms for multi-faith prayer rooms as well as meditation halls. While you wait for your flight and are nervous, you can use this time to relax and calm your nerves.
Restaurants and cafes: The airport has a slew of restaurants and cafes that you can check out. From classic local establishments such as Shiv Sagar to globally recognised joints such as Burger King, McDonald's and KFC, you can find them at the airport. There are provisions for restaurants serving liquor as well.
Automated buggies: To make commute within the airport convenient, you can also take the buggy services. They will pick you up from the security check and drop you at the boarding area. The services are especially recommended for people with medical conditions and disabilities. The airport also has wheelchairs and other services to commute within the terminal.
Postal services: The Mumbai airport also has provision for postal services. Postal services are located at the exit of both the terminals of Mumbai airport. If you have any last-minute document that needs to be mailed, you wouldn't need to worry about it.
VIP lounge: The airport is also host to many VIP lounges and upscaled restaurants and food establishments. If you are a premium member at any of the airlines with airport lounge as one of the perks, you will be able to benefit the privileges of the VIP lounge as well as the services provided by them.
Top airlines flying from the Mumbai Airport
Mumbai airport is excellently connected to major domestic and international cities. Unsurprisingly, it is known to be the second busiest airport in the country due to its phenomenal ability to accommodate a slew of international and domestic airlines. In fact, the airport witnesses approximately 950 aircraft activities on a daily basis. Mumbai airport connects domestic cities such as Rajkot, Dehradun, Madurai, Lucknow, Kannur, Leh, Ranchi, Jabalpur and more. Thanks to the brilliant connectivity Mumbai has with other cities in the country, it doesn't require any connecting flights too. In fact, the Mumbai airport has a majority of airlines operating from the city. Airlines such as Alliance Air, Air India, Air India Express, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet, TruJet and Vistara operate from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
The city also harbours a plethora of international cities and flights. The international airlines operating from Mumbai airport are quite similar to the ones that operate from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. International airlines such as Air Asia, Air Arabia, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles, Air Tanzania, Bangkok Airways, Bhutan Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airways, flydubai, Gulf Air, IranAir, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airways, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Nepal Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, RwandAir, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Swiss, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Uzbekistan Airways, operate from Mumbai airport. Thanks to the immaculate connectivity, the city sees a lot of crowd flocking over from various other cities and towns to take international flights.
How to reach the Mumbai Airport
The domestic and the international airport of Mumbai have separate gateways to enter. While the domestic airport, Terminal 1, also known as Santacruz Airport, is located in Santacruz, the international airport, T2, is located in Andheri. To reach Mumbai airport, it is imperative that you know which terminal you need to catch your flight from. Depending on the same, you can travel to the airport.
By Rail
To reach Mumbai airport Terminal 1, the closest railway station is Ville Parle railway station which falls on the Western and Harbour Line of the Mumbai railway network. Meanwhile, to reach the international Mumbai airport, Terminal 2, you should get down at the Andheri station lying on the Mumbai railway network. From here, you can take a rickshaw and reach the city. Mumbai's metro line is perfectly connected with Airport Road and Marol Naka stations while T1 is close to the Western Express Highway station. Both the terminals are very close to the Mumbai Metro. The city is currently expanding the Mumbai metro line further by adding more lines to connect to the airport. An underground network from Cuffe Parade to SEEPZ is in the works which have one stop at the Santacruz airport and the other close to the GVK SkyCity terminal.
