Aviation News
Stay updated with the latest aviation news at The Thaiger, your ultimate source for industry information. Keep informed on airline updates, airport developments, and travel trends across the globe.
Our comprehensive coverage ensures you’re always in the loop, with up-to-date articles and expert insights. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, aviation enthusiast, or industry professional, The Thaiger’s aviation news page is your essential guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of air travel. Immerse yourself in the dynamic community and latest advancements with our expertly curated content, designed to keep you connected and well-informed.
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Sponsored New in July: Save 10% for life on family health plans in Thailand
Cigna has a special offer this July for families in Thailand. When you sign up three or more people on a family health plan, you will save 10% on your premiums for life. This deal helps you get affordable, high-quality...
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It was a glitch: AirAsia explains price hike on Songkran flights
AirAsia has addressed the recent uproar over skyrocketing ticket prices on flights from Don International Mueang to Sakon Nakhon during the Songkran festival. AirAsia responded to concerns over unusually high ticket prices on its Don Mueang-Sakon Nakhon route during the Songkran period, explaining that the issue was caused by a temporary glitch in its ticket booking system. The airline has…
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Thai Airways expands fleet with 45 Boeing dreamliners
Thai Airways International (THAI) has confirmed that fleet expansion is a key part of its strategy, with the airline set to procure 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as part of a major deal to increase its aircraft numbers and strengthen ties with the United States. In a bold move aimed at both modernising its fleet and supporting Thailand’s trade negotiations with…
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Big Joke sends 300 southerners home for Songkran
Former police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn has made Songkran celebrations even sweeter for over 300 southerners by sending them back home with free flights and VIP bus rides, easing the financial burden during tough economic times. At Don Mueang International Airport, Big Joke, President of the Southern Association under Royal Patronage, personally waved off 320 people headed back to…
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Tourism sector urges Thai government to ensure hotel safety
Private sector organisations are urging the government to issue safety certifications for hotels and lift the disaster area declaration to restore confidence in tourism. Tourism and Sports Minister Suwang Theinthong discussed the impact of recent earthquakes on tourism with various stakeholders, expressing concern over potential declines in tourist numbers. Efforts are underway to communicate that Bangkok is the only truly…
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Heathrow blackout grounds THAI flights, chaos erupts
A massive power failure has plunged London’s Heathrow Airport into chaos, grounding flights and stranding passengers, with Thai travellers among the hardest hit. The meltdown began just after 11pm on Thursday, March 20, when a fire broke out at the North Hyde electrical substation in Hayes, West London. The blaze knocked out both primary and backup power supplies, crippling operations at…
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Thai king and queen open Suvarnabhumi’s terminal and runway
King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida yesterday inaugurated the first satellite terminal and the third runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province. This ceremony coincided with the auspicious royal event marking the king’s 72nd birthday on July 28 last year. Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by key figures, including Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit,…
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High hopes: Thai pilots poised to reclaim skies amid foreign pilot row
The Thai Pilots Association (TPA) is quietly optimistic about reclaiming the nation’s skies. Following reassurances from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), it’s anticipated that the temporary lift allowing foreign pilots on domestic routes will not stretch on, revealed TPA President Teerawat Angkasakulkiat. “The Cabinet’s resolution, with its vague deadlines, allowed each wet lease agreement to endure for six…
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Zero baht, zero excuses: VietJet Thailand unveils sky-high savings
Budget travellers, get ready! VietJet Thailand is rolling out a jaw-dropping promotion with flight tickets starting from 0 baht (excluding taxes and fees), giving passengers the chance to travel across Thailand and beyond for next to nothing. But act fast—the deal is only available for bookings from March 18 to 22, covering travel between April 20 and October 25 (excluding…
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Thai AirAsia offers 30% Songkran discount on direct bookings
Thai AirAsia is offering a 30% discount during the Songkran festival for direct bookings made from March 11 to 20. The airline is supporting the Ministry of Transport’s policy by adding special flights during this peak travel period across five routes from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Phanom, Udon Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani. The discount applies…
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Thai Airways bans power banks on flights after explosive fire risk
Airlines worldwide, including Thai Airways, are banning the use and charging of power banks on flights from March 1, following a shocking fire incident aboard a Korean Air Busan flight. The explosion, caused by a faulty power bank, raised serious safety concerns, leading South Korean airlines and other inter6national carriers to tighten regulations to prevent similar disasters. The ban applies…
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Thailand halts airport transfer plan due to financial concerns
Thailand’s Transport Ministry has abruptly scrapped plans to transfer Krabi, Udon Thani, and Buriram airports to Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT), citing financial and operational concerns. Instead, officials are shifting focus towards developing state-run airports to generate more income and reduce reliance on government funding. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced yesterday, March 6, that the transfer, initially approved by…
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Lufthansa sets sights on Thailand as expansion takes off
The Lufthansa Group is focusing on expanding its operations in Asia and Thailand, while also diversifying into non-airline businesses. Carsten Spohr, chief executive of the group, highlighted that Thailand is not just a tourism hub but also a lucrative business destination. The demand for cargo from Thailand is rising, and the Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing market for maintenance, repair,…
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AirAsia and TAT launch budget flights to 16 Thai cities
AirAsia is making domestic travel more affordable than ever, joining forces with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to encourage travellers to explore hidden gems across the country. The budget airline is rolling out one-way fares starting at just 880 baht, giving tourists the chance to visit 16 destinations spanning all four regions of Thailand. The limited-time promotion is available…
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Thai plane shame: Pakistanis stranded in Bangkok bust-up (video)
Chaos erupted for Pakistani travellers after they found themselves marooned in Bangkok for two long days after technical issue with a Thai Airways flight. In a maddening turn of events, passengers were left in suspense for six gruelling hours at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, clinging to the hope of an alternative flight. Those hopes were dashed, however, when Thai…
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Qatar Airways addresses passenger seated next to dead woman
Qatar Airways issued a statement following an incident where a passenger was seated next to a dead woman for four hours during a flight. The airline emphasised that the crew acted promptly and appropriately, and compensation along with psychological support has been provided. This situation arose from an Australian couple’s account to their local television station, criticising Qatar Airways’ cabin…
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Phuket Airport to boost flight capacity to 35 per hour
The Thai Ministry of Transport has instructed the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Company Limited (AEROTHAI) to enhance Phuket Airport’s flight handling capacity. By 2025, the aim is to increase from 25 to 35 flights per hour. Deputy Minister of Transport Monaporn Charernsri announced yesterday, February 27 that AEROTHAI is examining methods to boost Phuket Airport’s efficiency, one of Thailand’s busiest…
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U-Tapao Airport expansion cut as high-speed rail delays continue
The ambitious U-Tapao Airport expansion is being drastically scaled back as the Bangkok-Rayong high-speed rail project faces ongoing delays and uncertainty. The airport, a key component of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development, was initially designed to handle 12 million passengers annually. However, with the high-speed rail link stalled for nearly five years, those plans are being significantly downsized. U-Tapao…
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Nok Air shifts focus from China to India, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore
Nok Air intends to reduce its flights to mainland China this year due to slow market growth and will instead focus on expanding its services to India, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore. The airline’s Chief Executive, Wutthiphum Jurangkool, highlighted the shift in Chinese tourists’ preferences towards Japan over Thailand and noted the Chinese government’s lack of support for outbound travel. Safety…
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New horizons: Norse Atlantic soars with Gatwick to Bangkok route
Norse Atlantic Airways announced the launch of a new direct route from London Gatwick to Bangkok, promising passengers an enticing journey without breaking the bank. Set to take off on Sunday, October 26 this year, the new service will operate up to four times a week, with return fares starting from just £295 (12,500 baht) taxes included. The announcement comes…
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Thai Airways aims for top 10 global rank by this year
Chansin Treenuchagron, a key figure in Thai Airways, emphasised the airline’s crucial role in national development while aiming to rank among the top 10 airlines globally. The discussion took place yesterday, February 19 at the Matichon Leadership Forum 2025, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok. Chansin, a board member and executive planner of Thai Airways International…
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THAI flight makes emergency landing as passenger stops breathing
Thai Airways (THAI) flight TG408, en route from Singapore to Suvarnabhumi Airport, issued an emergency signal while flying over the Gulf of Thailand yesterday, February 18. The aircraft landed safely at Suvarnabhumi Airport after the emergency alert was triggered due to a medical situation on board. Reports revealed that the emergency, named TG408/18FEB 77B/TKR SINBKK Declare Medical Emergency Landing, was…
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Delta Air Lines plane flips at Toronto, eight injured (video)
A Delta Air Lines aircraft flipped onto its back while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada, resulting in eight injuries. The incident, involving a plane carrying 80 passengers, occurred yesterday, February 17, local time. Video footage showed the Delta Air Lines plane upside down on a snow-covered runway, with passengers gradually exiting the aircraft. Emergency medical personnel at the…
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Pane and gain: Thai Airways lands safely amid cracked cockpit drama
In a high-flying drama with a smooth landing, Thai Airways ensured passenger safety remained sky-high after a Bangkok to Singapore flight returned due to a cracked cockpit window, forcing a swift aircraft swap and ensuring passengers reached their destination safe and sound. In an unexpected twist, travellers aboard Thai Airways’ flight TG401 experienced an unscheduled return to Bangkok after a…
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AirAsia soars to new heights with record passenger growth in 2024
AirAsia is flying high after recording a surge in passenger numbers throughout 2024, as the budget airline group expanded its fleet to meet booming travel demand. The carrier welcomed over 63 million passengers last year, an 11% increase from 2023, while its load factor climbed to 89%. The final quarter of 2024 was particularly strong, with 16.2 million passengers flying…
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Ex-minister’s son pulled off Bangkok flight over ‘kidnapping’ alert
A chartered flight carrying India’s former Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant’s son, Rishiraj Sawant, and two friends was recalled to Pune under extraordinary circumstances. Police ordered the abrupt diversion after an anonymous tip-off claimed Rishiraj had been kidnapped, triggering an urgent police response. The private jet, which took off for Bangkok on Monday, February 10, was redirected after aviation officials verified…
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More planes to take off as Thailand summer travel surges
Thailand’s skies are set to get busier as flights increase across major airports under the new northern summer schedule, which kicks off next month. With international travel rebounding, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed a significant rise in flight slots at the nation’s busiest airports. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that Suvarnabhumi Airport has secured 1,202 daily flight…
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Vietjet’s Valentine’s surprise: Fly with fares from just 690 baht
Vietjet Thailand is celebrating the season of love with an irresistible Valentine’s – Fly for Love promotion, offering special fares starting at just 690 baht for domestic routes and 1,690 baht for international flights. Lovebirds and travel enthusiasts can book their dream getaway between February 10 to 14, with travel available from March 16 to October 25 (excluding public holidays, terms apply).…
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Aeroflot flight makes emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport
A Moscow-bound Aeroflot flight turned into a mid-air ordeal after a landing gear malfunction forced the aircraft to circle over the Andaman Sea for hours before making an emergency landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Aeroflot Flight SU277, a Boeing 777-300ER carrying 346 people, took off from Phuket Airport at 3.20pm yesterday, February 10. Shortly after departure, the nose gear…
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Thai Airways’ big bet: 8 brand-new Airbus jets to boost fleet
Thai Airways is making a major move to modernise its fleet, signing a lease agreement for eight brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft with Dublin-based SMBC Aviation Capital. The deal, confirmed on February 5, will see the cutting-edge jets delivered between 2026 and 2027 as part of the airline’s long-term expansion strategy. This latest addition comes just months after Thai Airways made…
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Smoke signal: Suvarnabhumi sparks smoking rooms outrage
Smoking row ignites as the Airports of Thailand (AoT) makes a shocking bid to reintroduce smoking rooms at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, pushing against the global trend towards smoke-free terminals. As the world gears up for 100% smoke-free airports, Thailand’s move has stirred up a storm of controversy. Associate Professor Dr Naowarat Charoenkha from the Thai Health Promotion Institute, part of…
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