Thailand

Thai Lion Air expects to receive at least two Boeing 737-900 aircraft by end-2025, and add 4-5 more in 2026 ot reach new destinations. Chief Executive of the airline remains optimistic that Thai tourism will “eventually improve”, despite declining arrivals this year, and noted that the airline has adjusted its fleet expansion “based on overall tourism growth”. The airline will launch four international routes in Q4: Bangkok-Hokkaido via Kaohsiung, Bangkok-Osaka via Taipei, Bangkok-Chongqing and Bangkok-Tianjin. It also plans to increase capacity on domestic routes and Delhi, as well as expand to new markets like South Korea. Head of Commercial at Thai Lion Air said the airline aims to resume services to 10 cities in China, eight in India, five in Japan, and 17 domestic routes by end-2025

OAG Aviation’s data shows that in Aug 2025: Changi Airport recorded 3.58 million departing seats, taking the top spot in Southeast Asia Kuala Lumpur International Airport handled 3.32 million departing seats, and became the second busiest airport in Southeast Asia, from 4th place 6 months ago Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, 3.25 million Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, 3.22 million Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, 2.77 million

Thai AirAsia X to launch a Bangkok-Almaty route from 1 Dec, with 4x weekly flights

Vietjet Thailand Chief Executive predicts “a significant pilot shortage within the next two years” amid fleet expansion plans by Thai carriers. Vietjet Thailand plans to recruit 320 pilots from 2025-2028, as it plans a fleet expansion from 18 aircraft in 2024 to 50 by 2028. The expansion is aimed to support domestic and international routes, linking Thai cities with destinations in Asia, such as Japan, South Korea, India, Vietnam, as well as with Australia. Around 100 of the pilots would come from student pilots, while the remaining 200 will be sourced from the existing market. Vietjet Thailand does not expect any resurgence of price wars in 2025-2026, as the sector still faces a capacity shortage. Airfares have declined around 5% YoY in 2025, mainly attributed to the absence of Chinese tourists. Vietjet Thailand reported strong advance bookings for Q4 2025, especially on Japanese routes such as Bangkok-Tokyo (Narita) and Bangkok-Osaka (Kansai), with flights set to start in Dec. The airline aims to reclaim the second biggest domestic market share by Q4 2025 and maintain it to 2026, up from its current 3rd place with around 20% market share

CEO of Thai Airways International (THAI) said that the airline will eliminate First Class within 2-3 years, and instead upgrade its Business Class to a more luxurious level, as a key strategy to improve premium travel experience and regain market share. The airline has started converting its 20 A320 aircraft from economy-only to a two-class configuration, comprising 12 seats on the Royal Silk Class, and 144 seats on Economy Class. THAI will upgrade 14 B777-300ER aircraft over the next two years, installing new business class suites with private doors, as well as redesigned premium economy and economy seats. Its fleet of 20 A350s will also receive cabin upgrades starting in 2028

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced that Thailand has passed a key audit under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme-Continuous Monitoring Approach. The audit covered eight areas: primary aviation legislation and civil aviation regulations, civil aviation organisation, personnel licensing, aircraft operations, airworthiness, accident and incident investigation, air navigation services and aerodromes and ground aids. Thailand achieved a perfect 100% in aviation legislation and regulatory organisation, while legislation, organisation, operations, airworthiness, licensing, air navigation and aerodromes, achieved a score of 91.35%, above the global average of 70.5%

Thai Airways International (THAI) held the “THAI Talk: Travel Trend and Priceless Experience” event in collaboration with Mastercard. The airline revealed key insights, such as the growing demand for full-service flights to top Asian destinations like Tokyo, Singapore, and Shanghai. The airline also announced the “Good Taste for a Good Cause” campaign, which aims to highlight high-quality Thai products in the airline’s in-flight meals, supporting local farmers and businesses. THAI has partnered with Mastercard to offer a 2,000 THB discount on return flights from Thailand to any destination in Asia when booking through the Thai Airways website or app and paying with a Mastercard. The promotion is available for bookings made until 30 Sep

Thai Airways International (THAI)’s share price surged over 400% within 15 days of resuming trade on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) on 4 Aug. The airline saw a 465% YoY growth in Q2 profit. KGI Securities (Thailand) reported the airline’s proportion of network passengers rose from 6% in 2023 to 15% in 2024, and to 21% in H1 2025, while the proportion of point-to-point passengers fell to 79% in H1, compared to 94% in 2023 and 85% in 2024. Available seat kilometre (ASK) increased by 15% YoY, driven by a rise in aircraft utilisation and the resumption of key European routes like Oslo, Milan and Brussels, as well as increased frequencies on Asian routes. Asia Plus Securities said the brokerage upgraded THAI's normalised profit forecast this year by 15% to 32 billion THB, +49% YoY, rising to 33 billion in 2026, +2% YoY. Profit growth in 2025 is expected to reach a new record, driven by lower operating and interest expenses. Profit growth is forecasted to return to normal from 2026. Maybank Securities (Thailand) upgraded THAI's earnings by 13% for 2025 and 7% for 2026, to reflect better cost control in 2025, mainly for maintenance and employee benefits. It reported that THAI’s earnings in H1 achieved 56% of the full-year forecast. Earnings in H2 are expected to contract, partly due to seasonal factors

TAT said the 200,000 free domestic flight tickets scheme is still awaiting cabinet approval. TAT Governor urged travellers to book their trip without relying on the scheme, as airfares for the high season continue to soar. She noted that tourists who only plan to visit major cities are not eligible for the scheme, as it targets secondary cities. She assured that TAT will not abandon the 700 million THB project even if the caretaker government does not approve the programme. She expressed TAT’s readiness to resubmit the project. TAT joined the Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2025, which is expected to boost the Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam markets to reach 2.8 million arrivals in 2025

Thai Airways International (THAI) expects a strong Q4 outlook, with a load factor of over 80%, driven by foreign demand and Thai tourists opting for Asian countries, such as China and Japan. Chief Commercial Officer at THAI said a strong baht and the visa-free policy have helped encourage Thai tourists to go to Asian destinations, adding that most Thais tend travel to short-haul destinations during the high season, mainly to Tokyo and Shanghai, while fewer opt for Europe. Shanghai was the third most popular destination for Thai travellers in Jan-Jul, with a 10.1% share of outbound share, up from sixth place and 4.9% in 2024. Bookings from Thailand to Shanghai rose by 91% YoY. Tokyo remains the top outbound destination in Jan-Jul, but its share among Thai passengers dropped from 20.3% to 12.3% in 2025. Singapore is the second most popular destination, recording a higher share of Thai passengers at 12%, up from 8.3% and fourth place in 2024. The fourth and fifth most popular destinations were Hong Kong (7.5%) and Osaka ( 7.2%). THAI also saw strong growth from Thai passengers to emerging destinations such as Colombo (Sri Lanka), which recorded the highest growth of over 134% YoY

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is considering lifting the international flight suspension for Nok Air after the airline submitted a document outlining their plans to meet CAAT’s safety requirements. CAAT will evaluate the documents and will allow Nok Air to resume international flights if found compliant with the stipulated standards

Akasa Air to launch a new direct Mumbai-Phuket route on 20 Sep

Bangkok Airways CEO confirmed that U-Tapao International Aviation Co Ltd (UTA), in which the airline holds a 45% share, has asked for one month to decide whether to continue with the 290 billion THB development at U-Tapao Airport, or to withdraw. The consortium also comprises BTS Group Holdings (35% stake) and Sino-Thai Engineering & Construction (20%). The consortium said repeated missed deadlines by the government’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee has decreased confidence. If UTA withdraws, it could legally exit without penalty due to government non-compliance. The consortium is also planning to ask for repayment of around 4 billion THB already invested, though how much can be reclaimed is uncertain. Bangkok Airways is looking into a partnership with Thai Airways on an MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility at U-Tapao Airport, which would see Bangkok Airways developing a 30rai area independently with an estimated investment of 1 billion THB

Thai Airways International CEO said the airline is seeing a 2%-3% growth in other markets besides China, including long-haul destinations. He noted that the airline is struggling with expansion plans due to difficulties in obtaining additional leased passenger jets. Earnings from core operations in H2 2025 are expected to remain strong on robust passenger demand for European, Indian, and Australian routes. THAI’s Q2 net profit jumped to 12.1 billion THB from 306 million in Q2 2024 on lower finance costs and some one-time items, including a gain from termination of aircraft lease agreements. Revenue increased to 51 billion THB, +14% YoY

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued and updated an order allowing drone operations from 1-15 Sep or until further notice across most of the country, following a reassessment of the easing situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border. Drone operations remain banned in five border provinces – Sa Kaeo, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani – as well as certain locations like Sattahip district, Chonburi, Rayong’s capital district, Phayuha Khiri district, Nakhon Sawan, and Ratchaburi’s capital district. Drones are also prohibited within a 9km radius of key airports, including Khok Kathiam in Lop Buri and Prachuap Khiri Khan Airport

Hat Yai Airport, who recently celebrated its 37th anniversary, is aiming to position itself into the “gateway to Thailand’s Deep South”. The airport’s director said that the airport handled 19,010 flights from Oct 2024-Jul 2025, comprising 2,522 international flights, +52.95% YoY, and 16,488 domestic flights, +12.22% YoY. Plans for the next 1-2 years include renovating the second-floor departure hall, upgrading restrooms, and improving access roads, while for the next 3-5 years, the airport is planning a new passenger terminals, expanded parking, a six-lane access road, four-lane internal roads, and the installation of boarding bridges

Bangkok Airways has cancelled its plan to add two single-aisle aircraft to its fleet, mainly due to slow traffic on Thai-Cambodian routes. The airline will continue to replace its 10 turboprop ATRs by purchasing new aircraft of the same type, and remains committed to increasing its fleet size to 40 aircraft, the same as pre-pandemic, within five years. The airline is expected to close the year with 23 aircraft. Bangkok Airways aims to carry 4.3 million passengers in 2025, out of a total seat capacity of 5.7 million. It has already carried 2 million pax in H1 2025. Forward bookings between Sep-Dec is showing a 4% growth, mainly driven by bookings on routes to Samui (+7%), while international routes dropped 3%

Bangkok Airways is planning to upgrade Trat Airport and position it into the aviation centre of the East. The airline owns and operates the airport. Trat Airport handled 40,427 passengers in H1 2025, and is expected to see an increase in the upcoming tourism season, in line with growing international travel from Europe. The plan aims to improve the airport’s competitiveness and readiness to handle more routes. The first phase of the upgrade is expected to be completed by Q3 2026, and will include extended runways, new aircraft parking bays, and an expanded passenger terminal that could handle up to 250,000 passengers annually. The project is expected to cost 400 million THB

The government’s 750 million THB subsidy programme for chartered flights, commercial flights, and incentive groups is gaining momentum, with some agents scheduled to begin operations during China’s Golden Week holiday in Oct. Deputy Governor of International Marketing for APAC at the TAT said the agency already approved proposals from agents to operate chartered flights from Inner Mongolia and Kunming to Thailand. She said there has been a number of applications for chartered flights, including from Macau, Tianjin, Hefei, and Guiyang. Thai Air Asia and Thai Lion Air are having discussions with TAT for the subsidy scheme for commercial flights under Thai carriers, aiming to increase their frequencies and load factors on routes to China’s secondary cities. A foreign carrier is also reportedly keen in joining the scheme for operations from the UK to Thailand. Some incentive groups eligible for the programme, including some from China and Vietnam, have already visited Thailand. The “Summer Blast China & Overseas Market” subsidy scheme has allocated 350 million THB for chartered flights, 250 million THB for commercial flights, and 150 million THB for incentive travel and summer camps. Subsidies of 300,000 THB have been allocated for chartered flights with load factors of at least 60% and subsidies of 350,000 THB for at least 80% load factor. A 500 THB subsidy per additional foreign passenger will be granted to airlines under the commercial flight programme, as well as no more than 1,000 THB per tourist under the incentive and summer camp programme, with a four-night stay

Vietjet Thailand is targeting 6.7 million passengers and 15 billion THB in revenue in 2025. The Chief Executive said that the airline is in the process of receiving nine new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, which can support longer-range routes than its current fleet of Airbus A320s. The airline plans to shift its entire fleet to Boeing within five years, with a target of operating 50 aircraft by 2028. The airline had returned four Airbus aircraft as of H1 2025, leaving a total of 14 aircraft in operation. Vietjet Thailand is set to receive one Boeing aircraft in Oct, four in Nov, and four in Dec, to a total of 23 aircraft by year-end. The airline is planning to expand its routes in Q4, with the Bangkok-Seoul route in Oct, as well as the Bangkok-Tokyo Narita and Bangkok-Osaka routes in Dec. It will also launch services to India to offset the decline in Chinese arrivals, with two new routes: Bangkok-Kolkata in Nov and Bangkok-Ahmedabad in Dec. Possible route expansions in 2026 includes Hong Kong, Nagoya, as well as Phuket-Perth. The airline also plans to operate a new domestic service to Nakhon Si Thammarat

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has ordered Nok Air to suspend international flight operations and route expansion, citing deficiencies in operations, including personnel-related incidents and flight performance issues. CAAT reported that from 2023-2025, Nok Air saw in-flight engine shutdowns, runway excursions, hard landings and tail strikes. Nok Air Chief Executive said that the airline is preparing a response and is confident the prohibitions can be lifted within a month. The in-flight engine shutdown occurred on 8 Jan 2024 on a flight bound for Nanning, China. The flight landed safely at its destination using the remaining engine and the airline had removed the troubled engine and ordered a replacement. The CEO said that it is not possible to provide a root cause analysis of the incident to CAAT as the airline no longer possessed the engine

Thai Airways CEO revealed that the airline is shifting its direction, planning to put a “greater emphasis on narrow-body aircraft rather than wide-body jets”. The airline will receive two Airbus A321neo aircraft for the winter 2026 season, with another 15 to be delivered throughout 2026. The aircraft will be deployed across Asia. Thai Airways has also placed an order for 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with deliveries expected to start from 2028. The first batch of nine aircraft is planned to be deployed for high-demand markets like India, China, and domestic hubs like Phuket. The airline has also exercised its rights to procure 35 Boeing 787-10 model as part of its long-term fleet expansion

Thai Airways International said it may delay its flight and route expansion plans if they fail to lease any new wide-body aircraft by H1 2026. The airline is aiming to lease wide-body aircraft for its expanded European service, as it waits for the delivery of purchased planes from 2027. Thai Airways CEO said that the airline is eyeing a “significant shortage of seat capacity” over the next two years needed to meet its growth plan

Thai Airways International (THAI) is planning to expand its route network and boost flight frequencies. It will double its Guangzhou and Beijing routes from 7 to 14 flights each on its 2025-2026 winter schedule, as well as reopening flights to Xiamen, Chongqing and Changsha with 7 flights per week, and launch new routes to Wuhan and Shenzhen. This will double its current flights to China, and serve not only Chinese passengers, but also transit passengers from Europe and Australia. Its Chinese routes have a load factor of 70% in low season and 80% in high season. THAI will also launch a new route to Gaya in India as well as new domestic routes. It will take delivery of a new A321neo by the end of the month, and an additional one by year-end, as well as one more B787-9, whilst 15 more A321 neos are expected from next year. THAI CEO said that travellers are booking with a shorter window of 3-4 months vs 6 months previously, but European passengers continue to book 6 months in advance

Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, and Bangkok Airways collectively generated revenues totalling 134.88 billion THB in H1 2025, up from THB129.25 billion in H1 2024. Combined net profit rose to 25.66 billion THB, up from only 5.31 billion THB in H1 2024. The rise was driven by Thai Airways, which saw its net profit increase to 21.97 billion THB, +702.5% YoY from only 2.72 billion THB in H1 2024. THAI’s market capitalisation now stands at 418 billion THB, making it the 10th largest company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Thai AirAsia posted a 1.60 billion THB profit, turning over a 325 million THB loss

Airports of Thailand (AOT) has approved a plan worth 5.7 billion THB to build a new passenger terminal at Chiang Rai International Airport to be able to handle up to 7 million pax per year. It is scheduled to be completed in 2032 and will increase the current capacity by 6 million per year, from the current 1.9 million pax

Airports of Thailand (AOT) President said that the study of the Suvarnabhumi Airport 2025 master plan is over 70% complete and will be finalised by Oct, before submitted to the AOT board, the Transport Ministry, and the Cabinet. The updated plan focuses on the development to the south of the airport, including a new South Terminal with a capacity of 55 million passengers annually and a fourth runway. The total capacity of the airport is expected to reach 120 million passengers, double the current figures. The 12 billion THB East Expansion project has been submitted to the Transport Ministry and the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) for approval. Following Cabinet endorsement, the project is expected to go to tender in early 2026, with a 4-year construction timeline for completion in 2030. The expansion is expected to boost capacity from 65 million to between 70-80 million passengers annually. AOT is also seeking Cabinet approval for a 3.9 billion THB inbound baggage handling system linking the main terminal with Satellite Terminal 1 (SAT-1). The 36.8 billion THB Phase 3 expansion of Don Mueang Airport is under design review. The project aims to increase capacity from 30 million to 40 million passengers annually, with peak capacity of up to 50 million

Pattaya Airways received a delivery of three ATR72 turboprop aircraft, which are expected to start operations in Dec

The Tourism Ministry plans to launch a “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights” scheme, offering free round-trip domestic flight tickets with 20kg of baggage on six Thai carriers – Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet – to 200,000 foreigners holding an international flight ticket. The campaign is expected to run from Sep-Nov, generating 8.8 billion THB in revenue. The ministry plans to propose the scheme to the Cabinet for approval next week, requesting 700 million THB from the central budget. The programme is expected to run with a government subsidy of 1,750 THB per one-way ticket, or 3,500 THB for a round-trip ticket, for each tourist. Vice President of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce said the campaign would support tourism to some extent, although arrivals are already strong during the high season. He noted that the campaign would be more effective if launched during the low season. President of the Lower Northeastern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association said Northeastern Provinces may not benefit as much from the scheme, as they are not top destinations for international tourists. Apart from the free flights, he suggested the government to plan marketing strategies and activities tailored to target markets of each locations

Thai Lion Air to launch direct daily Bangkok Don Mueang-Chongqing flights from 26 Oct. It will also launch direct Bangkok Don Mueang-Tianjin flights from 27 Oct with 4X weekly services