Bangkok Airways suspends northern flights due to smog
Bangkok Airways announced the temporary suspension of all flights between Suvarnabhumi International Airport and the northern destinations of Lampang and Mae Hong Son, as thick smog and hazardous air pollution continue to engulf the region.
The airline confirmed that services would be grounded from March 15 to April 20 due to dangerously low visibility caused by persistent haze, which has been fuelled by wildfires in northern Thailand and neighbouring countries, a Bangkok Airways spokesperson said.
“Due to worsening air quality and visibility issues, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend flights to ensure the safety of our passengers and crew.”
The announcement comes as northern Thailand battles an annual air pollution crisis, with smog levels spiking due to slash-and-burn farming practices, wildfires, and cross-border pollution from neighbouring countries.
Mae Hong Son and Lampang are among the provinces hit hardest by the seasonal haze, with PM2.5 levels reaching hazardous levels, posing serious health risks for residents and travellers.
Passengers affected by the cancellations are encouraged to contact Bangkok Airways’ customer service hotline at 1771 or the Mae Hong Son station at 06-5504-6864 for assistance with refunds or alternative travel arrangements.
Despite the worsening air quality, officials from the Mae Hong Son Office of Natural Resources and Environment reported a significant decrease in wildfire activity compared to last year. Between January 1 and February 28, wildfire hotspots in the province dropped from 758 in 2023 to just 97 this year.
However, environmental groups warn that the improvement may be short-lived, as dry conditions and human-induced fires continue to contribute to the region’s long-standing air pollution crisis.
Bangkok Airways has assured passengers that it is closely monitoring the situation and will resume flights as soon as conditions improve, reported The Nation.
Meanwhile, health officials have advised residents and tourists to take precautions, including wearing N95 masks, avoiding outdoor activities, and using air purifiers indoors, as the haze lingers over northern Thailand.
With air pollution reaching hazardous levels, the flight cancellations serve as a stark reminder of the worsening environmental crisis affecting the region—and the urgent need for long-term solutions.
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