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 Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money
Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
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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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Thai airports to boost services for elderly and disabled passengers
Flying in Thailand is about to get a major upgrade—especially for those who need it most. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is rolling out a new set of regulations aimed at dramatically improving service standards for passengers requiring special assistance. Whether you’re elderly, injured, or living with a disability, these new rules are designed to make air travel…
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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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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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Trang Airport finally taxiing toward take-off after years of turbulence
After years of delays, walkouts and government faffing about, Trang Airport’s long-stalled revamp is finally back on the runway, with part of a shiny new terminal expected to open next month and billions more being poured into the project. The opposition People’s Party has vowed to keep a close eye on Trang Airport’s 4.4-billion-baht overhaul, which has been riddled with contractor…
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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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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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Bangkok–Moscow flight diverts to Delhi after mid-air fume scare
A Bangkok-to-Moscow Aeroflot flight carrying over 400 passengers made an unexpected emergency landing in Delhi yesterday after the crew detected a suspicious odour — sparking fears of smoke in the cabin and prompting a rapid response from Indian airport emergency services. Aeroflot flight SU273, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER registered RA-73142, departed Bangkok yesterday, May 6, at 1.40pm local time,…
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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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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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Thai Airways partners with KMC to convert Boeing 777-300ERs
Thai Airways has signed a Memorandum of Inderstanding (MOU) with Kansas Modification Center, LLC (KMC) to establish a joint venture for converting Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters. The agreement, signed yesterday, April 25, by Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri and KMC CEO James Allen Gibbs at Thai Airways’ headquarters on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, marks a significant milestone for both…
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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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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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AOT reports record 2.6 million passengers during Songkran festival
Airports of Thailand (AOT) has announced impressive air traffic statistics for the Songkran period, highlighting a 4.3% increase in passenger traffic across the six airports it operates, compared to last year. Dr Kerati Kijmanawat, President of AOT, revealed that from April 11 to 17, a total of 2.6 million passengers passed through Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket,…
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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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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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Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang fly high in global airport rankings
Thailand’s major airports are flying high on the global stage, with Suvarnabhumi International Airport breaking into the top 40 of the world’s best airports for 2025 and Don Mueang International Airport landing in the top 10 for low-cost travel hubs. Yesterday, April 10, Airports of Thailand (AOT) Chief Executive Officer Keerati Kitimanawat announced the impressive leap in global rankings, attributing…
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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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Don Mueang Airport sees 10% rise in Songkran passenger numbers
Don Mueang International Airport is anticipating around 700,000 passengers during the Songkran holiday, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year. Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) President Kerati Kijmanawat confirmed today, April 9, that Don Mueang Airport is prepared to accommodate the expected surge in travellers. Wichit Kaewsaitiam, the director of Don Mueang Airport, noted that April 11 is…
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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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Budget airline launches direct flights to Krabi from India
Thailand’s picturesque Krabi province just became more accessible to Indian travellers, as budget airline IndiGo launched its inaugural direct flight from Mumbai to the popular beach destination. The flight landed at Krabi International Airport last night, March 24, marking the start of a new chapter in travel between India and Thailand’s stunning Andaman coast. Flight 6E1085, an Airbus A320, touched…
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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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