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Cheapest international flights from India: 10 destinations to visit before 2026 ends

From Thailand and Georgia to South Korea and Kenya, these destinations offer some of the cheapest flights from India in the coming months.

Nitya Choubey
Written by
Nitya Choubey
Senior Correspondent
Cheapest Travel in 2026
Image courtesy of Chris Lawton on Unsplash | Cheapest Travel in 2026
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Everyone deserves a cheap international vacation. Especially after waiting the whole year.

With airlines expanding international routes from Indian cities, travelling abroad is becoming easier. And if you’re looking for a bargain, August and September are often the sweet spots: summer holiday crowds have eased, the festive-season rush is yet to begin, and flight prices tend to dip.

From Southeast Asian escapes and European city breaks to offbeat destinations in Central Asia and Africa, here are some destinations where flights from India are currently among the cheapest.

Thailand gets cheaper in August

Bangkok’s nightlife and Phuket’s beaches have long been favourites among Indian travellers. August is one of the cheapest months to fly there, with return fares sometimes dropping to around ₹10,000–₹15,000 (depending on availability and departure city).

However, Indian travellers do note: Thailand’s visa-free entry rules have changed. Those travelling under Visa Waiver or Visa on Arrival arrangements may need to carry proof of sufficient funds, including 20,000 Thai baht (approximately ₹57,000) per passenger in cash.

China becomes more affordable in September

China may not be the first destination that comes to mind for Indian travellers, but its cities are becoming easier to reach. September is among the cheapest months to fly to destinations such as Shanghai and Beijing, with round-trip tickets sometimes available under ₹45,000.

Fares can drop further for cities like Guangzhou and Zhengzhou. With direct India–China flights gradually returning after years of disruption, the country is once again becoming a more accessible option for travellers looking beyond the usual Asian destinations.

Georgia can cost the least in December

A country of ancient towns and dramatic landscapes, Georgia has been gaining popularity among Indian travellers. Flights to its capital, Tbilisi, have gotten cheaper too. Consider December the cheapest month to visit, with one-way fares dropping to around ₹20,000. Add Georgia’s affordable food, accommodation and experiences, and it becomes a tempting European getaway on a budget.

Swap Goa for Sri Lanka, Vietnam or the Philippines

If you’re already planning a beach holiday, adding a little extra to your Goa budget could take you international. Destinations like Sri Lanka, Vietnam and the Philippines can offer affordable flights in August and September.

Flights to Colombo and Jaffna can fall below ₹30,000 on occasion. September is among the cheapest months to fly to Vietnamese cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with return fares sometimes available around ₹25,000.

August makes Uzbekistan easier to explore

Uzbekistan has quickly become one of the most talked-about emerging destinations for Indian travellers, and it’s easy to see why. With affordable stays, inexpensive local transport and spectacular landscapes, the country can make Indians feel like billionaires.

A week-long trip covering cities like Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara is possible with careful planning. August is among the cheapest months to fly there, with round-trip tickets sometimes available for around ₹20,000.

September is the cheapest time to fly to Kenya

Calling out travellers who dream of an African safari: flights to Nairobi – the gateway to Maasai Mara’s wildlife and Amboseli’s views of Mount Kilimanjaro – can drop to around ₹20,000 one way during September, making it one of the best-value months to fly over the Arabian Sea.

October brings Greece within reach

Greece may have a reputation for luxury holidays, but October offers a more budget-friendly way to experience it. Flights to Athens can fall to around ₹45,000, significantly lower than peak-season prices.

Interestingly, IndiGo launched India’s first-ever non-stop flights from both Delhi and Mumbai to Athens. So, no layovers too.

September is the cheapest month to visit South Korea

South Korea’s popularity among Indian travellers has grown rapidly, thanks to its food, pop culture, fashion and music. While it remains more affordable than Japan, it still offers the same cultural shock.

September is one of the cheapest months to visit, with return flights to Seoul, Busan or Jeju sometimes available for around ₹35,000.

Chennai to Réunion Island

Fancy swapping Chennai traffic for volcanoes and turquoise waters? IndiGo has launched direct flights between Chennai and Réunion Island, a French paradise floating in the Indian Ocean. The one-way ticket costs around ₹30,000, visibly less than travelling to many other European island nations.

Earlier, getting to Réunion usually meant hopping through Mauritius or other international hubs. This new route cuts the extra legwork and brings southern India closer to an underrated escape.

Cheapest flights + destinations at a glance

Destination Cheapest month to fly Approximate fare from India More handy information
Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket) August ₹10,000–₹15,000 (one way) Off-season fares; visa-free tourists may need to show proof of funds (20,000 Thai baht per passenger).
China (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Zhengzhou) September Under ₹45,000 (return) Guangzhou and Zhengzhou can be even cheaper; more direct India–China flights are on the way.
Georgia (Tbilisi) December Around ₹20,000 (one way) Budget-friendly destination with inexpensive food and accommodation.
Sri Lanka (Colombo, Jaffna) August–September Below ₹30,000 (return) A budget-friendly alternative to a Indian beach holiday.
Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi) September Around ₹30,000 (return) One of Southeast Asia's best-value destinations during shoulder season.
Philippines August–September Below ₹30,000 (return) An affordable beach destination
Uzbekistan (Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara) August Around ₹20,000 (return) Affordable accommodation and transport make it an excellent-value trip.
Kenya (Nairobi) September Around ₹20,000 (one way) Cheapest period for safari-bound travellers.
Greece (Athens) October Around ₹50,000 (return) Lower fares than peak season; direct IndiGo flights from Delhi and Mumbai.
South Korea (Seoul, Busan, Jeju) September Around ₹40,000 (return) Shoulder-season fares makes it more affordable than usual.
Réunion Island Not specified

Around ₹30,000
(one way)

New direct IndiGo flight from Chennai makes the island easier to reach.

Some FAQs

Which countries have the cheapest flights from India right now?
Thailand, Uzbekistan and Georgia are among the cheapest, with fares starting from around ₹10,000–₹20,000. 

What's the cheapest time to fly abroad from India?
Seems like August and September are usually the best months to score cheaper international flights, thanks to lower demand between the summer and festive travel seasons.

Is Thailand or Vietnam cheaper to visit?
Thailand is generally cheaper, with return fares from ₹10,000–₹15,000 in August. Vietnam follows closely, with September fares starting at around ₹25,000.

Are there direct flights from India to Greece?
Yes. IndiGo now operates non-stop flights to Athens from Delhi and Mumbai, with October fares starting from around ₹45,000.

Do Indians need a visa for Thailand?
Yes! Thailand's entry rules have changed recently. Travellers using the Visa Waiver or Visa on Arrival scheme may need to show proof of funds, so check the latest requirements before you travel.

What's the cheapest way to reach Réunion Island?
Fly direct from Chennai on IndiGo. One-way fares start at around ₹30,000, making the island much easier to reach than before.

Is Uzbekistan a budget-friendly destination?
Absolutely. Return flights can drop to around ₹20,000 in August, and the country's affordable hotels, food and transport make it an excellent value-for-money destination.

Last verified: August 2026. Flight fares were corroborated using recent fare searches on Skyscanner. Prices are indicative and subject to change based on availability, booking dates and airlines. 

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