Airlines to add 73,000 seats for new year travel in Thailand

Six airlines are set to increase their seat offerings by over 73,000 during the new year period to prevent excessive price hikes during the festive season.

This effort, led by the Transport Ministry, involves collaboration with Thai Airways International and other members of the Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT), including Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet Air.

These airlines will add seats between Bangkok and 14 key destinations such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Udon Thani.

The airlines have committed to expanding seat capacity by either increasing the number of flights or using larger aircrafts. This decision aims to prevent the steep ticket price increases that occurred during last year’s new year celebrations.

Between December 26 and January 5, carriers under the AAT will introduce 247 additional flights, contributing 48,244 extra seats. These flights will be available for booking starting today, November 18.

Thai Airways will also play a significant role by deploying larger aircraft on routes between Bangkok and major tourist destinations like Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. This adjustment will add 25,144 seats from early next month to early January. A ministry representative spoke on the increase in seats, which is crucial for the upcoming festive season.

“With cooperation from the airlines, there will be 73,388 additional seats available for people who want to travel during the new year.

“There will be a higher demand for travel than usual during the long holiday. So, we advise people to purchase tickets in advance and directly from the airline’s website to avoid being scammed or hit with additional charges.”

Further support will come from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, Airports of Thailand, the Department of Airports, and Aeronautical Radio of Thailand.

They will extend airport service hours nationwide, allowing the six airlines to schedule additional flights beyond regular operating hours, particularly on December 27 to 28 and January 1 to 2, 2025.

This initiative aims not only to stabilise ticket prices but also to accommodate the expected surge in travel demand over the holiday period, reported Bangkok Post.