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 Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers plenty of excitement and adventure, but the local healthcare system can be complex to navigate as an expat. From unique health risks to high costs at private hospitals, having a comprehensive health insurance plan is essential....
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Air Japan cancels Bangkok-Tokyo flights, stranding passengers
Passengers were left disappointed and frustrated when their Air Japan flight to Tokyo was abruptly cancelled due to technical issues. The fledgling airline, a low-cost carrier within the ANA group, found itself at the centre of controversy after it revealed that it operates with a single aircraft, which brought about a series of cancellations affecting travellers from both Thailand and…
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Thai aviation set for turbulence as CAAT navigates high air fares
Transport Minister Suriya Juangruangreangkit disclosed on Wednesday that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is in active discussions with all six domestic airlines in Thailand. The aim is to increase flight frequency during holiday periods and lower the flight price ceiling, in response to the issue of excessively high fares. The CAAT convened a meeting on Tuesday with the…
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Dublin’s AerCap lends 17 aircraft to Thai Airways
Thai Airways International (THAI) and AerCap have signed agreements to lease 17 aircraft to THAI. These aircraft include four Airbus A350-900, three Boeing 787-9, and 10 Airbus A321neo airliners. THAI acquired these in 2023 as part of its short-term fleet development. Two of the four A350 aircraft have been transferred over and the other two will be sent to THAI…
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Phuket El Al flight thwarts communication hijack attempt
An El Al flight en route from Phuket to Ben-Gurion Airport in Israel encountered a spine-chilling moment on Saturday night as unidentified hostile elements attempted to seize control of its communication network. This nerve-racking incident, the second of its kind within a week, sent shockwaves through the aviation world. Despite the menacing takeover attempt, the aircraft managed to reach its…
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Phuket Airport seeks public input on expansion plan
A call to action echoes across Phuket as the Airports of Thailand invite the public to the final hearing on the second phase of Phuket International Airport’s expansion. Slated to be conducted at the prestigious Proud Phuket Hotel in Sakhu, the hearing is scheduled from 9am to 12pm on March 8. The primary objective of this public hearing revolves around…
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Tibet Airlines confirms order for 50 jets from China’s Comac
Tibet Airlines, a Chinese carrier, confirmed an order for 40 C919 narrowbody jets and 10 ARJ21 regional jets from the state-owned Chinese plane manufacturer, Comac. This deal was finalised at a ceremony during the Singapore Airshow, a biennial commercial and defence-focused event. Before this deal, Tibet Airlines and Comac announced in December their plans to jointly research a version of…
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Minister orders CAAT to cut Bangkok-Phuket flight prices for Songkran
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to negotiate with airlines to explore ways to lower airfares following complaints from passengers about the high cost of flights from Bangkok to Phuket. He expressed confidence that reduced prices could be in effect in time for the Songkran travel period. Today, at 9.30am, Suriya Juangroongruangkit addressed the…
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PM Srettha pledges to woo back Russian tourists with revived flights
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is gearing up to welcome a surge of Russian tourists to Thailand, unveiling plans to tackle the flight shortage bottleneck yesterday. Acknowledging reports of a burgeoning number of Russian tourists eyeing Thailand for their holidays, PM Srettha highlighted the critical lack of flights to accommodate the demand. “Inadequate flights are hindering the influx of Russian…
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Bangkok airport battles congestion with tech amid tourism recovery
Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand’s busiest, is facing daily traffic congestion as vehicles compete for parking spaces. The problem is compounded by long queues at immigration and baggage claim areas due to inoperative kiosks and staff shortages. Tourist complaints prompted an unannounced visit from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has since ordered airport authorities to quicken procedures to under…
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Soaring travel costs to Phuket spark tourist backlash
The soaring cost of air travel to Phuket has sparked a backlash from local tourists, with low-cost carriers reportedly charging up to 14,000 baht (US$388) for a round trip from Bangkok. Despite making bookings weeks in advance, some travellers reported paying 5,000 baht (US$138) for a one-way ticket. The president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA),…
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Thai Airways confirms mega aircraft deal with Boeing
Thai Airways International made headlines by sealing a monumental deal with Boeing, announcing an order for at least 45 aircraft. The airline confirmed on Wednesday, February 13, that the order, which includes options for additional jets, will see the new aircraft joining its fleet between 2027 and 2033. This strategic investment comes at a crucial time for Boeing, offering a…
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Thai Airways’ turbulence at Suvarnabhumi: Transport minister threatens contract termination
Transport Minister Suriya Jungroongreangkit issued a warning to Thai Airways International (THAI) following a series of complaints about subpar ground services at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Speaking after a pivotal meeting with airport service operators, Suriya unveiled a roadmap for dramatic improvements or contractual consequences. “The ministry has been inundated with grievances regarding the dismal quality of ground services provided by…
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Thai VietJet Air partners with global cargo giant for Asian expansion
Thai VietJet Air has announced a groundbreaking partnership with ECS Group, in a move to reshape its cargo operations across Asia. Under the terms of the agreement, ECS Group’s subsidiary, AVS GSA Thailand, will spearhead the cargo contract, leveraging the expansive network of ECS across the region. This landmark deal, sealed on February 1, empowers Thai VietJet Air with access…
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Ready for takeoff: Suvarnabhumi Airport set to soar with new runway
Transport Minister Suriya Jungroongreangkit announced a surge in Suvarnabhumi Airport’s operational prowess with the imminent completion of its third runway in July. Suriya forecasts a soaring increase, propelling the airport’s flight handling capability from 67 flights per hour to a whopping 94, a pivotal move in fortifying Thailand’s position as a pivotal aviation nucleus in the region. The forthcoming third…
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AOT announces 4.4bn baht plan to boost Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports
Airports of Thailand (AOT) revealed an ambitious investment plan of 4.4 billion baht for enhancements at Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport. These plans were made public by AOT Deputy Director Keerati Kitmanawat, who shared the vision of increasing service and security standards at Suvarnabhumi Airport to meet the passenger traffic that is expected to bounce back to…
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German passenger’s terrifying mid-flight death leaves Lufthansa plane splattered in blood
On a Lufthansa flight from Bangkok to Munich, a 63 year old German passenger sparked panic in the cabin when he began spurting an endless flow of blood. The German passenger boarded the plane visibly ill. As the flight progressed, his condition rapidly deteriorated, causing panic among the passengers. Fellow passenger Martin Missfelder described the scene as absolute horror, with…
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Chinese man flies home in personal aircraft for Lunar New Year
The Chinese online community has been captivated by an image of a father and his young daughter taking a unique approach to returning home for the Chinese New Year: flying in a personal aircraft. The Lunar New Year, a time when millions undertake the arduous journey home, often leads to congested roads and transportation systems. To avoid this annual ordeal,…
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Canadian man claims fear of criminal gang forced him to open plane door
The Canadian passenger, who attempted to open the door of a Thai Airways plane on February 7, claimed that he had to escape the aircraft because a criminal gang from Vietnam was after him. The foreign man was clean from drugs, and there was no mention of mental health issues. The 40 year old Canadian man, Wong Sai Heung, was…
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Thai AirAsia boosts flights to visa-free Japan and China
In response to robust demand, Thai AirAsia is set to increase flights to coveted travel destinations like Japan and China, which offer visa-free access to visitors. The airline also plans to introduce a fresh route to Okinawa. The initiative comes from Thai AirAsia’s chief executive, Santisuk Klongchaiya, who also helms SET-listed Asia Aviation (AAV). According to him, the surge in…
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Thai Airways responds to Chiang Mai Airport door incident
Thai Airways addressed a recent incident at Chiang Mai Airport where a Canadian passenger’s attempt to open an aircraft door while waiting for takeoff caused several flights to circle without being able to land. The disruption occurred yesterday (February 7), leading to temporary chaos as flights were unable to touch down at the airport. Chiang Mai Airport experienced significant disruption…
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Flight fright: Panic-stricken passenger causes turbulence at Chiang Mai Airport
A Canadian passenger reportedly experienced a panic attack while a plane was taking off from Chiang Mai International Airport last night and attempted to open the plane door, causing chaos and a delay at the airport. The situation was brought under control at around 11pm. Facebook account Watcharapon Pethsurp posted about the incident at about 9.57pm yesterday, February 7. The…
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Korean Air’s sky-high soar: More flights to Bangkok amid tourism rebound
Korean Air unveiled plans for two more weekly flights from Incheon to Bangkok, reflecting the resurgent appetite for travel as the world emerges from the grip of the pandemic. Kim Jongmin, the airline’s country manager, revealed that the added flights on the Incheon-Don Mueang route are in response to surging demand, particularly from South Koreans seeking reprieve from the winter…
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Flight fright: Air Canada-Thailand flight detours to Hong Kong as passenger falls ill
An Air Canada flight destined for Bangkok was forced to make an emergency diversion to Hong Kong after a passenger fell ill onboard. The Air Canada Boeing 787, which operates flights between Vancouver and Bangkok, declared an emergency on February 4, prompting its redirection to Hong Kong. Flight AC65, a routine scheduled service, is typically operated between Vancouver and Bangkok…
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PM Srettha pays unannounced visit to Suvarnabhumi Airport amidst biometric glitch
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin paid a surprise visit to Suvarnabhumi International Airport yesterday morning, amongst reports of a recent biometric system glitch that threw the airport into chaos during rush hours. The glitch, a repeat offender, wreaked havoc on automatic passport control channels, leaving departing jet-setters stranded and frustrated. Eyewitnesses claim the prime minister’s unannounced appearance was a direct response…
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Thai airports set to soar with billion-baht boost
The AOT, eagerly awaiting the green light from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), is on the cusp of obtaining public airport certification for Udon Thani, Buriram, and Krabi airports. According to Police General Wisnu Prasatthong-osot, the visionary chairman of the board, the AOT will begin the development of its airports as planned once the certifications have been received.…
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Thai Airways on track for Stock Exchange return amid rehabilitation success
Anticipations are high for Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) to make its comeback on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in the coming year, as disclosed by Tibordee Wattanakul, the director-general of the State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO). The national flag carrier’s liquidity is on the mend, and operations are systematically aligning with its rehabilitation plan. This positive shift is…
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Laos introduces direct air link to Bangkok
Laos is set to launch a direct air link between Savannakhet and Bangkok next month. Lao Airlines, the national carrier, plans to operate three weekly flights starting March 15, creating a seamless connection between the picturesque Savannakhet, nestled opposite Mukdahan, and the bustling Thai capital. Chanthanom Khampheng, the deputy director of the airline’s commercial and marketing department, highlighted the strategic…
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Taking flight: Nok Air’s Boeing 737 max 8 plans hit turbulence
Thai airline Nok Air’s plans to introduce Boeing 737 Max 8 jets are facing unexpected headwinds. Safety anxieties soar amid recent incidents within the 737 Max family, casting shadows over Nok Air’s ambitious fleet expansion. Amidst the clouds of uncertainty, Nok Air, having already committed to lease eight Boeing 737 Max 8s, is grappling with safety concerns that have grounded the…
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Live cobra smuggled onboard AirAsia flight from Bangkok concealed in bottle
CISF personnel thwarted a smuggling attempt at Kempegowda International Airport, Karnataka, India, as a passenger who landed from Bangkok on an AirAsia flight tried to conceal a live cobra inside a bottle. The astute CISF officers uncovered the hidden serpent during a routine luggage check. The daring passenger, identified as Purushottam, now faces the clutches of the Forest Department as…
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Samui Airport sees remarkable surge in tourist arrivals in 2023
The year 2023 witnessed an outstanding surge in tourist arrivals at Samui Airport, in Thailand, with 2.2 million holidaymakers marking their footprints on the east coast island. The figure indicates a significant 66.65% increase compared to the previous year’s numbers. Located in the Surat Thani province, the Koh Samui district is home to Samui Airport. The district’s director, Jirawat Wutthiwatworakun,…
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