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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Thai Smile shuts down after a decade of losses
After over a decade of struggling with continuous financial losses, Thai Airways International (THAI) has officially dissolved its wholly owned subsidiary, Thai Smile Airways. The decision marks the end of the budget airline’s operations, bringing a turbulent chapter to a close. The dissolution was officially announced to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) on June 5, following a resolution passed…
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Vietjet Thailand slashes fares by 50% with ‘Friend Power Pack’
Vietjet Thailand is offering significant savings on airfares through a Friend Power Pack package, providing discounts of up to 50% on over 50,000 tickets. This promotion covers both domestic and international routes throughout 2025, allowing passengers to plan their trips affordably and conveniently. Bookings are open from today, June 10, to July 10, with travel available from June 15 to…
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Vietjet slashed 66% off 66,666 tickets in mega sale
Vietjet threw a flash sale that’s pure madness — 66,666 tickets slashed by a whopping 66% for just one day. Vietjet has launched a jaw-dropping one-day flash sale, slashing 66% off a massive 66,666 tickets across its entire domestic and international network. The promotion was live for just 23 hours yesterday, June 6, running from midnight to 11pm (GMT+7). To…
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Emirates lands a double delight with new SE Asia flights
Emirates is turning up the heat in Southeast Asia with the launch of two brand-new routes, to Vietnam’s coastal gem Da Nang and Cambodia’s cultural heartland, Siem Reap, both flying via Bangkok. The Dubai-based airline kicked off the Da Nang route on June 2, followed by Siem Reap on June 3, pushing its regional network to 23 destinations. Both flights will…
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Air Cambodia relaunches Bangkok-Sihanoukville flights
Air Cambodia has restarted its connection between Sihanoukville and Bangkok, resuming twice-weekly flights on May 22. The airline now operates this route every Thursday and Sunday using an Airbus A320 with 180 seats, providing much-needed convenience for travellers heading to Cambodia’s southern coast and its idyllic islands. While Air Cambodia already offers daily services between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, it…
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Flying in style: THAI unveils plush new seats for A321neo jets
Travellers aboard Thai Airways are in for a stylish treat — the airline is getting a luxury cabin makeover with a fresh batch of award-winning R3 Economy Class seats, thanks to a brand-new collaboration with RECARO Aircraft Seating. The partnership, announced this week, sees RECARO deliver 32 shipsets of its long-range R3 seat for Thai Airways’ A321neo fleet. The first delivery…
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27 animals seized, 2 arrested in Bangkok airport wildlife sting
Thai police dealt a major blow to wildlife traffickers after intercepting 27 exotic animals hidden in luggage on two separate flights at Suvarnabhumi International Airport yesterday. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the smuggling attempt. The first haul included 20 blue iguanas and two sulcata tortoises found in the luggage of an Indian passenger preparing to board flight TG325…
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Thai police ground aircraft for safety checks after fatal crashes
The national police chief has suspended all police aircraft for comprehensive safety evaluations following two crashes within a month that resulted in the deaths of nine people. Police General Kittharath Punpetch announced yesterday, May 26, that all planes belonging to the Thai Police Aviation Division (TPAD) would remain grounded until they complete new safety inspections. “Experiencing two crashes in a…
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Thailand rolls out new payout rules for flight delays
Travellers in Thailand can now breathe a sigh of relief — airlines are officially on the hook if they mess up your travel plans. New regulations designed to protect airline passengers from the misery of flight delays and cancellations came into force yesterday, May 20. Under the sweeping changes introduced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), passengers now…
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Vietjet transfers 50 Boeing planes to Thai arm in regional shake-up
Vietjet and Boeing have inked a landmark agreement to transfer up to 50 Boeing 737 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand, boosting Thailand’s presence on the regional air travel map. The signing took place with plenty of diplomatic fanfare, witnessed by Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was in Hanoi for her first official visit to Vietnam in over a decade. “This agreement…
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Busted: Aussie caught with 22kg of crystal meth at Bangkok airport
An Australian man’s flight to freedom ended in handcuffs after he was caught trying to smuggle a staggering 22 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice,” aboard a plane bound for Melbourne. The suspect, 28 year old Tran Huybao Khang, was arrested on Sunday, May 18, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport next to Thai Airways flight TG461. He was reportedly…
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Thai Airways’ comeback plan takes flight
Following a comprehensive business rehabilitation, Thai Airways International (THAI) has launched its Fly for the New Pride campaign, as it anticipates resuming trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The airline now operates with reduced debt and new revenue streams. Celebrating its 65th anniversary, the airline has lowered its liabilities from approximately 400 billion baht to around 80 billion…
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Thailand enhances traveller compensation for flight delays
From May 20 onwards, the Civil Aviation Board will enhance compensation policies for travellers experiencing unannounced flight delays or cancellations. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced improvements in assistance for travellers already at airports without prior notice of delays or cancellations. For international flights, if delays exceed two hours, airlines are required to provide complimentary food and beverages…
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Phuket Airport expansion set to handle 18 million passengers
Phuket is set to soar to new heights as Airports of Thailand (AOT) pushes forward with Phase 2 of its ambitious Phuket Airport Development Project. The expansion will increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate a whopping 18 million passengers annually, positioning Thailand as a key player in regional aviation. Yesterday, May 7, AOT hosted the first public seminar for the…
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Thai officials brace for rocket risks at Bun Bang Fai festival
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has directed the Department of Airports (DoA) to work closely with communities to ensure compliance with aviation safety protocols during the forthcoming Bun Bang Fai festival. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has established guidelines to mitigate risks, as festival rockets may ascend to altitudes that could endanger aircraft. Approaching festival dates have prompted…
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Thai Airways warns of delays as airspace dispute disrupts flights
Travel chaos looms for passengers heading to South Asia and Europe as Thai Airways International issues a crucial warning about potential delays due to the ongoing airspace closure between Pakistan and India. Last night, May 7, the Thai flag carrier urged passengers flying to India, Pakistan, and European destinations to double-check their flight details. While flights between Thailand and India…
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Brazilian duo caught with 22 million baht cocaine at Bangkok airport
Thai Customs officials apprehended a Brazilian couple for attempting to smuggle cocaine valued at over 22 million baht. Between October 1 last year and yesterday, May 6, customs has handled 140 cases, seizing drugs worth a total of approximately 800 million baht. Yesterday, Pantong Loykulnanta, advisor on development and tax collection and Government spokesperson for the Customs Department, highlighted the…
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Trat Discovery campaign offers island perks and free flight prizes
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in partnership with Bangkok Airways and local tourism operators, has kicked off the Trat Discovery: Island and Beyond campaign – a bold push to supercharge tourism in Thailand’s eastern region with discounts, rewards, and premium travel experiences. Running from May 1 (yesterday) to August 20, the campaign offers exclusive perks for Bangkok Airways passengers…
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AOT opens 30 billion baht airport land for private investment
The Airports of Thailand (AOT) is inviting private investment to develop 2,500 rai of land surrounding six major airports, with an estimated project value nearing 30 billion baht. The initiative aims to transform these areas into new economic hubs and enhance service quality and safety. Pavina Chariyathitipong, Acting President of AOT and Deputy Executive Vice President of Engineering and Construction,…
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Phuket Airport soars as Russians jet in while China jets off
Phuket Airport is flying high despite a sharp drop in Chinese tourists, with Russian and Turkish travellers stepping in to keep the island’s tourism industry cruising toward a record-breaking 18 million passengers this year. Phuket International Airport is on course to welcome a whopping 18 million passengers in 2025, even as the number of Chinese arrivals nosedives, according to airport…
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New liquid and gel rules enforced at Thailand airports
Thailand has introduced new rules governing how liquids, gels, and aerosols (LGAs) can be carried in hand luggage, tightening security measures at airports nationwide. The new regulations, which came into effect on Tuesday, April 22, were published in the Royal Gazette and supersede those introduced in 2019. “These updated rules, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), aim…
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Thai Vietjet launches summer fares from 799 baht
Thai Vietjet is turning up the heat this summer with an unbeatable promotion, offering domestic flights from just 799 baht, including taxes and fees! Whether you’re dreaming of a beach getaway to Phuket, a city escape to Chiang Mai, or a cultural trip to Hat Yai, there’s a deal waiting for you. But that’s not all – international routes are…
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Skyfall at Cha-am: Four dead as police plane plunges into sea
A routine morning turned tragic at Cha-am Beach today as a small aircraft, believed to be a police plane, crashed into the sea, leaving four dead and one injured. The incident adds to a growing list of aviation tragedies in Thailand in recent years. At approximately 8.15am, today, April 25, emergency services in Phetchaburi province received reports of a plane…
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Phuket Airport baggage belt still broken amid repairs
Holidaymakers flying out of Phuket are being urged to stay calm, despite ongoing baggage belt breakdowns that continue to cause delays at Thailand’s second-busiest international gateway. Yesterday, April 23, Phuket International Airport (HKT) confirmed that one of its four main baggage conveyor belts in the international terminal remains out of action, while three lines have been repaired and are back…
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Thailand aviation upgraded to category 1, opening US flights
In a major boost for Thailand’s aviation sector, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially upgraded the country’s aviation safety rating to Category 1. The Ministry of Transport announced the exciting development today, April 22, recognising that Thailand now meets international civil aviation safety standards, paving the way for Thai airlines to resume flights to the United States. This…
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Phuket airport scrambles to explain cyberattack on digital screen
Travellers at Phuket International Airport got more than just flight updates last week when a digital screen in the departure hall was hijacked in a shocking cyberattack, sparking serious concerns over airport cybersecurity. The incident, which occurred on April 8 around 7.30am, saw unauthorised messages and images suddenly appear on a screen at the international terminal’s departure check-in hall on…
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AirAsia unveils Phuket–Medan route to spark tourism boom
Thai AirAsia is turning up the heat on regional travel with the launch of a new direct route connecting Phuket to Medan, Indonesia, giving travellers even more reason to escape the ordinary and explore Southeast Asia’s hidden gems. Starting June 27, AirAsia’s new route will operate four times a week, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, offering a seamless connection…
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Wanted Russian arrested at Phuket Airport over unpaid wages
Immigration officers at Phuket International Airport swooped to arrest a 29 year old Russian national wanted on a Phuket Provincial Court warrant for allegedly failing to pay employee wages and defying directives issued by labour inspectors. The dramatic takedown took place at approximately 3.30pm on Wednesday, April 9, inside the airport’s international arrivals hall. The arrest was the result of…
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Phuket Airport security questioned after sign hacked
A digital sign inside Phuket International Airport was hacked with a political message condemning Israel’s genocide in Palestine just days before Thailand’s busiest travel period. The incident occurred yesterday, April 9 and was reported to the Airports of Thailand (AoT) Phuket, but officials have yet to provide any response. The compromised sign, located near the baggage scan area, flashed the…
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Air India in hot water again after Bangkok in-flight pee incident
Business class on an Air India flight to Bangkok turned into a piddle palace after a sozzled passenger allegedly whipped it out to pee on a fellow traveller mid-flight, despite the loos being in full working order. The Air India high-flyer is now being probed by police after taking the pee, literally, on a fellow business class passenger just before…
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