Post by : Shakul

Thailand is moving forward with plans to increase flights to regional airports as the government looks to stimulate local economies and strengthen tourism in secondary cities across the country.

Deputy Minister of Transport Phatarapong Pataraprasit chaired a meeting with senior aviation officials and representatives from the Thai Airlines Association to discuss support measures for airlines operating at regional airports managed by the Department of Airports.

Officials said the government wants to maximize the potential of airports in northern, northeastern, and southern Thailand, many of which now have greater capacity to handle more passengers and flights. Authorities believe expanding regional air connectivity will help distribute tourism income more evenly across the country.

During the meeting, Phatarapong encouraged airlines to launch new domestic and international routes, including both regular and charter services. He said better flight access would improve travel convenience for the public while supporting economic growth in smaller cities and provinces.

The Department of Airports highlighted earlier success from aviation promotion measures introduced in 2025. Several airlines opened new routes under those incentives, including Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet Air, and Thai AirAsia, which expanded services to cities such as Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Buriram, and Narathiwat.

Authorities are now considering extending those promotional measures and introducing additional support for international routes. Discussions also included plans to improve airport facilities and reduce airline operating costs to encourage higher passenger demand from both domestic and international travelers.

The meeting additionally focused on the impact of ongoing tensions in the Middle East on the aviation industry. To help airlines manage rising operational pressures during the crisis, Airports of Thailand announced a 50 percent reduction in aircraft parking fees at its airports for six months beginning June 1, 2026.

Officials said the government remains committed to strengthening Thailand’s aviation sector while ensuring affordable and convenient air travel options that can support tourism, trade, and regional economic development.

#world news #Aviation #Economy