Thailand

Thai Lion Air has filed changes to its planned Bangkok Don Mueang-Taipei Taoyuan-Tokyo Narita route for Jul, with 8 round-trip flights not available for reservations as of 18 Jun, including flights on 3 Jul, 7-23 Jul, and 30 Jul. The airline continues to list 6X weekly flights on the route

Thai Airways International (THAI) has further delayed its planned launch of the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi-Changsha route. The airline has closed reservations for travel between 1-24 Oct

The Transport Ministry targets Bangkok’s two main airports to handle around 120 million passengers annually by 2029, +25% from the 2025 total of 95 million passengers, comprising 65 million pax at Suvarnabhumi and 30 million at Don Mueang. AOT projects Suvarnabhumi to handle around 73 million pax annually by 2029, while Don Mueang is expected to handle around 43 million. AOT is preparing a number of expansion projects to accommodate growth, including a 12 billion THB East Expansion project to increase terminal capacity at Suvarnabhumi, set to begin construction by 2027 subject to cabinet approval, as well as Phase 3 development at Don Mueang, which includes a new international terminal and transport links, also subject to approval

Airports of Thailand announced that Hat Yai International Airport resumed normal runway operations at 4.30pm on 17 Jun, following an accident involving a firefighting water-support vehicle that caused the temporary closure of Runway 26 from 1.55pm and disrupted 14 flights

Thai Airways International (THAI) has notified the Stock Exchange of Thailand that over 19.8 billion shares, or 70% of all issued shares, will be released from selling restrictions after 3 Aug

Thai AirAsia has cancelled its daily Bangkok Don Mueang-Seoul Incheon service for the period of 16 Jul-30 Sep

The Transport Ministry and the Thai Pilots Association (THAIPA) held discussions on measures to address pilot unemployment and concerns over the “Pay to Fly” system. Thailand has 1,736 unemployed Thai pilots, while another 1,219 commercial pilot licence (CPL) holders are waiting for employment. Unused investment in pilot education is estimated at over 4.3 billion THB. Key causes include an oversupply of pilots vs market demand, the employment of foreign pilots in some cases, gaps in specialised labour-protection laws, and the “Pay to Fly” system, where applicants must bear up to 6 million THB in exchange for employment opportunities. THAIPA proposed both short- and long-term solutions, including clearer regulations for the “Pay to Fly” model, higher employment and welfare standards, enforcement of rules on the use of Thai pilots, a complaint channel, and protection for whistleblowers, as well as a system to align pilot training numbers with aviation industry demand. The Transport Ministry expressed readiness to consider proposals from all sectors to develop appropriate measures, as well as promote fairness and reduce inequality in access to aviation careers

The Deputy Transport Minister said the ministry is furthering its Airport for Regional Development policy, which aims to position regional airports as key drivers of economic growth, tourism, and connectivity beyond Bangkok. As part of the initiative, the Department of Airports (DoA) presented development plans and expansion opportunities for Krabi Airport, Surat Thani Airport and other DoA-managed airports at the 158th IATA Slot Conference in Bangkok. A total of 16 airlines sought meetings with the DoA to discuss slot allocation and schedule changes at Krabi Airport following the conference, with two new airlines requesting slots for direct services to Krabi – Finnair from Helsinki and Scandinavian Airlines from Copenhagen, with two weekly flights planned each. DoA also noted interest from Oman-based low-cost airline Salam Air, as well as China's Lucky Air, which plans to launch Kunming-Udon Thani services in Sep

Tourism Malaysia welcomed the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand’s (CAAT) announcement on the new direct Bangkok-Kuching air route, to be operated by AirBorneo. The airline was among four new carriers allocated airport slots for services Kuching and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi. AirBorneo is expected to operate 14 weekly flights on the route during the Winter 2026/2027 schedule, running from 25 Oct 2026-27 Mar 2027

Thai Lion Air filed additional changes to its planned international operations for Jul, including extended cancellation for all services to India until at least the first half of Jul. Based on one-way departure from Thailand, schedule filing for the week of 5-11 Jul sees an international service reduction of 65%, comparing filings of 12 Apr vs 14 Jun. International service was cut by 59.4% for the entire month of Jul, from 847 flights as of 12 Apr filing to 344 flights as of 14 Jun

Air India Express has launched the Bangalore-Phuket route, with 4X weekly flights. The service will be reduced to 3X weekly from 2 Aug

Phuket Airport opened its first international arrivals autogates, with plans to increase the number from the current 10 to 21, as well as to cut the number of manual immigration counters from 24 to 16

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported that 87 of the 146 airlines who attended the 158th IATA Slot Conference (SC158) in Bangkok from 9-11 Jun requested meetings to discuss operations in Thailand for the Winter 2026/27 schedule. The season is expected to see new and expanded international routes, including: • Helsinki-Bangkok-Melbourne (Fifth Freedom service) • Taichung-Bangkok • Minsk-Bangkok • Kuching-Bangkok • London Gatwick-Phuket • London Heathrow-Phuket • Copenhagen-Phuket • Chisinau-Phuket-Sharjah • Cebu-Phuket • Hangzhou-Chiang Mai • Shanghai-Chiang Mai

Sun PhuQuoc Airways plans to launch daily Phu Quoc-Bangkok Suvarnabhumi services from 8 Aug

Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, and Thai AirAsia continues to cancel and reduce flights for Q2-Q3 2026 as jet fuel costs continues to rise

Condor plans to launch daily Bangkok Suvarnabhumi-Abu Dhabi services from 4 Nov

Air India and Thai Airways International (THAI) signed an MoU to expand their existing interline agreement. The two airlines will codeshare on flights between India and Thailand as well as on select international routes from the two countries

Thai Air Asia will issue 3.9 billion THB in unsubordinated, secured, and callable debentures in two tranches on 12 Jun

The Transport Ministry is establishing a committee of government agencies, aviation experts and private-sector representatives to develop operating guidelines for seaplanes and ensure compliance with aviation safety standards

Thai Airways International (THAI) is moving ahead with its long-delayed aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) project at U-Tapao Airport, expected to be submitted for board approval on 15 Jun, according to the Eastern Economic Corridor Office. The facility will be developed with the original 210-rai site planned at the airport, with an estimated project value of around 13 billion THB and a 50-year lease term. The government will receive two forms of benefits under the agreement – land lease payments and a step-up revenue-sharing structure. The Eastern Economic Corridor Office also plans to develop an additional 70 rai adjacent to the MRO site, comprising 30 rai dedicated to private jet services and 40 rai for related aviation businesses

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued new regulations on power banks on flights, limiting passengers to two devices and prohibiting charging during flight to reduce fire risks

President of the Khon Kaen Tourism and MICE Association said business groups in the province had held discussions with the Chief Executive of Ezy Airlines owner M-Landarch and proposed the airline to fly routes connecting Khon Kaen with Hua Hin and U-Tapao (Pattaya)

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has reported 3,840 flights cancelled, impacting more than 1.2 million accumulated seats in 2026 so far due to the Middle East crisis. It expects aviation to recover in Oct, so long as there are no further incidents in Jul-Aug

Emirates will reduce its 14 weekly flights from Dubai-Phuket to 11

Thai Airways International (THAI) announced that it will resume direct Bangkok-Amsterdam services from 1 Jul during "Rak Khun Tao Fah 2026”, the airline’s annual customer appreciation event. The airline also announced a series of initiatives to boost customer engagement during the event, including exclusive travel packages through Royal Orchid Holidays, expanded Royal Orchid Plus benefits, and promotional campaigns

Etihad Airways plans to schedule 4 daily flights on its Abu Dhabi-Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport route in Q3 2026, down from the originally planned 6 daily

TAT met with representatives from the Transport Ministry, the Department of Airports (DOA), Thai Airways International, and related agencies to discuss measures to support regional air connectivity and the “Fly and Drive” tourism strategy. The meeting discussed: • Marketing support for eight DOA airport destinations under the “3-3-1-1” route focus from Jun-Sep, which comprise three Northeastern destinations (Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, and Khon Kaen), three Southern destinations (Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Surat Thani), one Central destination (Prachuap Khiri Khan/Hua Hin Airport), and one Northern destination (Nan). The route aims to encourage visitors to combine air travel with self-drive journeys to nearby destinations • Measures to improve Thailand’s tourism competitiveness through air-linked marketing, including promoting Thailand as a regional aviation hub for transit passengers • Co-marketing and data-driven tourism, domestic aviation cost measures, seamless connections between air, road, rail, and water transport, and joint promotional opportunities • Consideration for the establishment of a joint working group to enhance practical implementation across tourism marketing, route development, and regional travel promotion

Thai VietJet Air will add daily Bangkok Suvarnabhumi-Hanoi services from 5 Oct

IndiGo will suspend operations to six international destinations, including Krabi, amid higher operating costs due to rising jet fuel prices

During the ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Human Resources Committee 1st Meeting 2026, which was held in Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) highlighted their strategy to develop a new generation of aviation personnel to strengthen Thailand’s position as a regional aviation hub

Air India Express has launched direct flights between Bengaluru and Phuket from 1 Jun with 4 flights per week

Thai VietJet plans to add 1 daily flight between Bangkok Suvarnabhumi – Kuala Lumpur from 9 Oct

Thai Airways International has introduced its first female pilot on a commercial flight in its 66 years of operation. She served as First Officer on the Bangkok to Hanoi flight. Thai Airways said this reflects their commitment to promote diversity, equality, and opportunities for talented personnel. Other Thai airlines such as Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air have employed female pilots

The Government will accelerate airport upgrades and expand domestic and international routes to improve connectivity and support its ambition of becoming a regional aviation hub. The Deputy Government Spokeswoman said the government aims to strengthen links between major cities and emerging destinations. The Deputy Transport Minister met with the Department of Airports, the Civil Aviation Training Centre, Thai Airways, and the Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel to discuss expanding flight networks. The plan includes increasing connectivity between major cities and secondary destinations such as Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Udon Thani, while attracting international flights from Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong to Krabi, Surat Thani, and Hua Hin. Seven airports have been identified for upgrades to support future passenger growth and tourism demand: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Hua Hin (Prachuap Khiri Khan), Phrae, and Roi Et. Hua Hin Airport is upgrading its safety standards to meet requirements for future international flights. Before the pandemic, the airport operated international services from Kuala Lumpur. The Deputy Government Spokeswoman added that the aviation strategy is linked to the Eastern Economic Corridor, including the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City project, valued at 218.8 billion THB, which aims to develop a regional transport and logistics hub with capacity for up to 60 million passengers annually

Thailand-based airlines continue international service reductions based on OAG’s data as of 22 Mar filings vs 31 May: Bangkok Airways (PG) 253 flights, 25,080 seats (22 Mar) to 240 flights, 22,660 seats (31 May) -5.1% in flights and -9.6% in capacity Thai AirAsia (FD): 1,670 flights, 312,454 seats (22 Mar) to 1,113 flights, 207,638 seats (31 May) -33.4% in flights and -33.5% in capacity Thai AirAsia X (XJ): 210 flights, 69,126 seats (22 Mar) to 96 flights, 34,204 seats (31 May), -54.3% in flights and -50.5% in capacity Thai Airways International (TG): 2,620 flights, 673,820 seats (22 Mar) to 2,538 flights, 645,401 seats (31 May) -3.1% in flight and -4.2% in capacity Thai Lion Air (SL): 849 flights, 169,867 seats (22 Mar) to 269 flights, 55,148 seats (31 May) -68.3% in flight and -67.5% in capacity Thai VietJet Air (VZ): 583 flights, 104,856 seats (22 Mar) to 459 flights, 85,006 seats (31 May) -21.3% in flight and -18.9% in capacity For May 2026, based on schedule filing as of 22 Mar vs 31 May, Bangkok Airways reduced flights by 4.9%, Thai AirAsia (-21%), Thai AirAsia X (-48%), Thai Airways International (-10.6%), Thai Lion Air (-22%), and Thai VietJet Air (-20%)

Thai Lion Air is suspending and reducing flights on more than 15 routes between Jun and Sep due to rising jet fuel costs and weaker low-season travel demand. The Phuket–Singapore route will be suspended from 3 Jun-1 Aug and will resume from 2–31 Aug with two weekly flights, down from four weekly flights. Affected routes include services to China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Nepal

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Vietnam Airlines signed an MoU during the Vietnamese President's visit from 27-29 May. With the MoU, both parties are looking to make travelling between the countries more seamless. As part of the agreement, Vietnam Airlines announced its HCMC-Phuket flights from 2 Jul with 4 per week flights

Thailand and Vietnam signed 4 cooperation agreements on 28 May, including to develop an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre at U-Tapao International Airport

Thai Lion Air filed additional 4 flights per week for its Bangkok Don Mueang-Taipei Taoyuan-Okinawa route from 16 Aug. The airline cancelled the Don Mueang-Taipei Taoyuan-Nagoya route from 6 Jul. The airline will operate 10 flights per week from 6 Jul to 15 Aug, and 14 flights per week from 14 Aug

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported 42.07 million air passengers in Q1 2026, +6.82% YoY, including 19.22 million domestic and 22.86 million international passengers. The increase in air passengers was attributed to the Lunar New Year demand and the recovery of Chinese and Indian tourists. Flight movements increased to 256,306, +3.77% QoQ, with 131,417 domestic and 124,889 international flights. The traffic was high in Jan 2026, before softening from Feb to Mar. Export volume increased in Mar as exporters sped up shipments following uncertainty over the Middle East situation. Passengers on Thailand-China routes increased by 497,000, +14.12% YoY, while Thailand-India routes increased by 213,000 passengers, +14.76% YoY. Chinese tourists reached 1.33 million in Q1 2026, +11.81% YoY, while Indian arrivals reached 620,000, +15.05% YoY

VietJet Thailand will increase its Bangkok-Tokyo flights from 7 to 11 flights per week starting 6 Nov using Boeing 737-8 aircraft with 189 seats

Cirium’s On-Time Performance (OTP) Report showed Cebu Pacific ranked 5th globally in Apr 2026, with 84.98% OTP, followed by Philippine Airlines in 6th place with 83.45%. In Southeast Asia, Singapore Airlines led with 87.52% OTP, followed by Garuda Indonesia (86.08%), Scoot (85.78%), Malaysia Airlines (85.39%), AirAsia Group (76.4%), Thai Airways (75.39%), Thai Vietjet Air (70.25%), and VietJet (61.65%). Overall, Southeast Asia recorded 79.74% OTP in Apr 2026 across nearly 109,000 flights

Seat capacity in the Middle East and Thailand has dropped by 33.7% vs pre-Middle East conflict. 14 airlines operating flights to Thailand had 199,595 seats in May, -33.7% vs pre-Middle East conflict with 300,902 seats. Emirates reduced its seats from Dubai to Bangkok by 20%, while maintaining the traffic to Phuket at the same level Qatar Airways has reduced its capacity on Doha-Bangkok and Doha-Phuket routes by 50% and 33%, respectively. Deputy governor for the Middle East at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said the US-Iran conflict could start again in the short term, and visitors from the region are adopting a wait-and-see approach by delaying bookings until 7-14 days before departure. She said there were 1.21 million tourism-related searches in May. Thailand welcomed 103,053 arrivals from the Middle East from Jan-Apr 2026, -32% YoY. TAT will hold fam trips targeting fast-growing markets in Africa, including South Africa, Morocco, and Mauritius, which recorded 6.6%, 66% and 34.8% of growth respectively, in 2025

Krabi authorities approved three temporary seaplane landing zones at Tubkaek Beach to improve tourism connectivity across the Andaman region. The proposal was presented by Siam Seaplane, with officials stressing that safety, environmental impacts, and shared use of marine space with local communities and tourism operators must be prioritised

Thai AirAsia will reduce its flights by 32.8% from 14-20 Jun 2026, compared to the flight schedule on 22 Mar (390 flights on 48 routes) vs 24 May (262 flights on 35 routes). The airline will reduce flights by 22% from 12-18 Jul, compared to 22 Mar (385 flights on 48 routes) vs 24 May (300 flights on 37 routes)

Thai Airways International (THAI) cancelled its Bangkok Suvarnabhumi-Sapporo New Chitose flights on 7, 9, 15, and 22 Jun 2026. The airline will also reduce its Bangkok Suvarnabhumi-Seoul Incheon flights from 21 to 17 weekly, from 9 Jun-1 Jul. THAI’s will reduce its international flights by 3% and capacity by 4.1%, based on schedule 12 Apr vs 24 May

The CEO of Thai Airways said the airline is seeking approval from its Board of Directors for planned investments in the U-Tapao Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Centre. Following approval, Thai Airways will sign a land lease agreement with the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO). The airline will use the originally planned site for the MRO centre under U-Tapao International Aviation Co., Ltd., which manages U-Tapao Airport

Operator of AirAsia in Thailand, Asia Aviation (AAV), in its filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) reported that jet fuel prices increased to $240 USD in early Apr 2026 from $80 USD per barrel. As of May 2026, the prices eased slightly to $150 USD to $160 USD - however this is still over 80% higher than pre-Middle East conflict levels. AAV stated the fares are expected to increase in H2 2026 if the conflict continues and fuel prices remain elevated. They are planning to issue up to 4 billion THB worth of debentures in Jun to improve AAV’s capital position

Airports of Thailand (AoT) reported a 7% YoY drop in passenger and flight volume in early May, vs 1% drop recorded in Apr, fueled by a 10% drop in domestic routes. This was attributed to an increase in jet fuel prices, which led airlines to increase fares. Thai Airways International (THAI) carried 4.18 million passengers in Q1 2026 and added 2 new A321NEO aircraft. THAI plans to add 20 new aircraft, especially in H2 2026. Despite its shares facing short-term pressure from investors over concerns with rising jet fuel prices and weaker demand due to the Middle East war, the airline has a strong operational efficiency and resilience, which will help the airline to generate net profit growth. Aviation analyst at Krungsri Securities said, "We have a negative view of May aviation statistics, which showed a steeper year-on-year contraction than in April, more clearly reflecting the impact of the US-Iran war"

The Transport Ministry has held discussions with the Airlines Association of Thailand to support airports operated by the Department of Airports (DOA), primarily in the North, Northeast and South. The DOA is considering incentives offered to airlines opening new domestic routes

Phuket International Airport received Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 2 certification by Airports Council International. The announcement was made during the Airports Council International Asia Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly 2026, which was held from 12-14 May at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park

Co-founder of AirAsia and Chief Executive of Capital A strongly criticised Airports of Thailand’s (AOT) hike in passenger service charge (PSC) for international flights, which is set to start on 20 Jun. He said the timing is “inappropriate” during the Middle East conflict, noting that the PSC hike will make Bangkok the second-most expensive airport in the region after Singapore. He suggested AOT to seek revenue from other businesses, such as cargo flights and developing MRO facilities