aviation news

  • Thailand NewsThai Airways slashes baggage limit to 23kg: How it affects you

    Thai Airways slashes baggage limit to 23kg: How it affects you

    Passengers flying with Thai Airways will soon have to pack a little lighter, as the airline has announced a reduction in checked baggage allowance for certain Economy Class tickets. Effective April 1, the standard baggage weight for some economy fare classes will be reduced from 25kg to 23kg. The new baggage policy applies to domestic and international flights for passengers…

  • Thailand NewsThailand halts airport transfer plan due to financial concerns

    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…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok Airways suspends northern flights due to smog

    Bangkok Airways suspends northern flights due to smog

    Bangkok Airways announced the temporary suspension of all flights between Suvarnabhumi International Airport and the northern destinations of Lampang and Mae Hong Son, as thick smog and hazardous air pollution continue to engulf the region. The airline confirmed that services would be grounded from March 15 to April 20 due to dangerously low visibility caused by persistent haze, which has…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Airport to boost flight capacity to 35 per hour

    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…

  • Thailand NewsTHAI flight makes emergency landing as passenger stops breathing

    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…

  • Thailand NewsAirAsia soars to new heights with record passenger growth in 2024

    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…

  • Thailand NewsSky-high thieves on the rise: Minister demands tighter flight security

    Sky-high thieves on the rise: Minister demands tighter flight security

    A wave of in-flight thefts targeting unsuspecting passengers sparked urgent action from Thai police after reports revealed that criminals stole valuables worth 19 million baht on flights to Hong Kong last year. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has now called on airlines to step up cabin inspections and warn passengers to safeguard their belongings. Several airlines have already tightened…

  • Bangkok NewsAeroflot flight makes emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport

    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…

  • Thailand NewsThai Airways’ big bet: 8 brand-new Airbus jets to boost fleet

    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…

  • Bangkok NewsLufthansa extends A380 service to Bangkok

    Lufthansa extends A380 service to Bangkok

    Lufthansa is giving travellers to Thailand an upgrade, extending its Airbus A380 service on the Munich-Bangkok route due to surging demand during Songkran, Thailand’s biggest festival. Originally set for a limited run, the airline has now confirmed the superjumbo will continue flying until April 25, offering passengers a spacious, top-tier experience. The decision cements Lufthansa’s commitment to premium long-haul service,…

  • World NewsDisaster in DC: Black boxes recovered after mid-air collision (video)

    Disaster in DC: Black boxes recovered after mid-air collision (video)

    Investigators have recovered the black boxes from a catastrophic mid-air collision between a commercial airliner and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, DC, raising urgent questions about staffing shortages and air traffic control failures. The deadly crash occurred at 9pm on Wednesday, January 29 (2am GMT Thursday) near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, killing all 67 people on…

  • Thailand NewsThai Airways’ A320 business class: Luxury or letdown?

    Thai Airways’ A320 business class: Luxury or letdown?

    Thai Airways is stepping up its game, rolling out regional business class on its single-aisle Airbus A320 jets, promising premium perks and a smoother flying experience. But is it the luxury upgrade travellers crave—or just a glorified economy seat with extra legroom? Dubbed Royal Silk Class, Thai’s A320 business cabin features 12 wide reclining seats with a 38” pitch and 5” recline—a significant improvement over…

  • Thailand NewsVietJet named one of world’s safest airlines in 2025

    VietJet named one of world’s safest airlines in 2025

    VietJet has been recognised as one of the world’s safest airlines for 2025 by AirlineRatings, a global safety and product rating website. The news was confirmed yesterday, January 16 that VietJet ranked alongside leading low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Frontier Airlines, which have consistently been rated among the top airlines. This achievement highlights VietJet’s commitment to maintaining high…

  • Thailand NewsLufthansa and Thai Airways to revolutionise Eurasian travel

    Lufthansa and Thai Airways to revolutionise Eurasian travel

    In a bold move to redefine travel between Europe and Asia, Lufthansa and Thai Airways International are supercharging their partnership with a codeshare expansion that’s set to shake up the aviation industry. Starting this month, travellers will have unprecedented connectivity to Southeast Asia, as flights from Bangkok to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Manila take on a Lufthansa flight…

  • Thailand NewsThai Airways takes off at new Singapore terminal

    Thai Airways takes off at new Singapore terminal

    In a major shake-up for travellers, Thai Airways is relocating its Singapore operations to Changi Airport’s Terminal 2 starting February 18. The move promises better lounge access and enhanced facilities for passengers flying the popular Bangkok-Singapore route. The switch marks the end of an era at Terminal 1, where Thai Airways operated for decades. The airline, which runs 35 weekly…

  • Thailand NewsThai AirAsia crowned Thailand’s punctuality king – again

    Thai AirAsia crowned Thailand’s punctuality king – again

    Thai AirAsia has soared above the competition once more, retaining its title as Thailand’s most on-time airline and securing fifth place in Cirium’s prestigious list of top 10 on-time airlines in the Asia-Pacific region. With a punctuality rate of 77.46%, it’s the only Thai carrier to earn a spot in the rankings. CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya hailed the achievement as a…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket welcomes tourists on first Bucharest flight

    Phuket welcomes tourists on first Bucharest flight

    Phuket rolled out the red carpet for the first-ever direct charter flight from Bucharest, Romania, marking a new milestone in Thai tourism. Operated by Romania’s HiSky airline in collaboration with top tour operators Dertour and Karpaten, the inaugural flight, H4 7467, landed at Phuket International Airport on Thursday, December 19. Passengers were greeted with a warm ceremony hosted by the…

  • Thailand NewsIndian passengers turn Thai AirAsia plane into party zone (video)

    Indian passengers turn Thai AirAsia plane into party zone (video)

    A flight to Thailand turned into a scene of mid-air mayhem, sparking outrage online after a viral video showcased the unruly behaviour of Indian passengers. Shared by Ankit Kumar, a content creator aboard the Thai AirAsia flight, the footage reveals groups of Indian men standing in the aisle, chatting loudly, snacking, and blatantly ignoring air hostesses’ repeated requests to return…

  • Thailand NewsThai AirAsia X expands Bangkok-Delhi route with 4 weekly flights

    Thai AirAsia X expands Bangkok-Delhi route with 4 weekly flights

    Budget travellers, rejoice! Thai AirAsia X is ramping up its services, connecting Bangkok and Delhi with four weekly flights starting January 15, 2025. The move comes as the airline capitalises on surging demand from Indian flyers, driven by visa-free travel perks and enhanced connectivity. The carrier, which operates A330 planes, marked its return to the Indian capital on Sunday, December…

  • Thailand NewsReady for takeoff: Thai SmartLynx poised to shake up Thai skies

    Ready for takeoff: Thai SmartLynx poised to shake up Thai skies

    Thailand’s aviation industry is about to soar with the arrival of Thai SmartLynx Airlines, set to launch operations in January 2025. Its inaugural aircraft, an Airbus A320, is currently undergoing meticulous engine inspections in Bali, preparing to meet the country’s growing demand for air travel as tourism rebounds. With tourism projected to bring in 40 million visitors in 2025, Thai…

  • Thailand NewsAirAsia refund fury: Passengers affected by booking glitch

    AirAsia refund fury: Passengers affected by booking glitch

    AirAsia customers faced turbulence after a Facebook post accused the airline of a major booking scam. The post, shared on the page อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว : อีซ้อ, claimed “The scam is out! A famous airline cheats on ticket prices, opens a promotion booking system to deduct money, and in the end, they say the booking was unsuccessful and they don’t refund money.…

  • Thailand NewsGrounded: Thai AirAsia denies ticket fraud, blames airline app

    Grounded: Thai AirAsia denies ticket fraud, blames airline app

    Thai AirAsia denied allegations of ticket fraud, stating that the issue stemmed from its application, which was managed by its supplier. The alleged ticket fraud came to light after the local news Facebook page, Esor News, shared the story on December 1. The page posted the following message: “Abscess pops! A renowned airline deceives clients, offering ticket reservations and collecting payments…

  • Phuket NewsJetstar flight to Phuket returns to Sydney after wheel damage

    Jetstar flight to Phuket returns to Sydney after wheel damage

    A Jetstar flight bound for the sunny shores of Phuket took an unexpected detour back to Sydney after a mechanical mishap forced pilots to prioritise safety. The JQ27 flight landed safely at Sydney Airport on Wednesday afternoon, November 27, following reports of a damaged wheel during take-off. Jetstar’s spokesperson assured passengers the situation was handled expertly. “Our flight from Sydney…

  • Thailand NewsCathay Pacific HK airline slammed over 5-hour Bangkok delay

    Cathay Pacific HK airline slammed over 5-hour Bangkok delay

    Hundreds of Cathay Pacific passengers endured a travel nightmare in Bangkok when a flight cancellation left them stranded for hours with no answers, no food, and no passports. Passengers of flight CX630, scheduled to leave Bangkok for Hong Kong at 4.55pm on Monday, November 25, found themselves stuck on the plane for over five hours before being shuttled to a…

  • Thailand NewsIndia launches new flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur this winter

    India launches new flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur this winter

    International travel from India’s Kolkata is in for a major lift this winter, as two major airlines ramp up connections to Southeast Asia. With Thai Lion Air launching four weekly flights to Bangkok and Malaysia Airlines resuming its pre-pandemic route to Kuala Lumpur, Kolkata travellers are set for a world of new options. Starting December 16, Thai Lion Air, a…

  • Bangkok NewsDon Mueang: Fake bomb threat on flight to Hat Yai causes chaos

    Don Mueang: Fake bomb threat on flight to Hat Yai causes chaos

    A foreign national was arrested after making a fake bomb threat on a flight bound for Hat Yai, causing chaos for passengers and staff. The individual claimed stress from family issues as his motivation, leading to significant disruption. Security at Don Mueang Airport was alerted when a call was received, warning of a bomb on a flight to Hat Yai.…

  • Thailand NewsThai Lion Air eyes new route to boost Nakhon Phanom tourism

    Thai Lion Air eyes new route to boost Nakhon Phanom tourism

    Thai Lion Air is contemplating expanding its flight operations to Nakhon Phanom, in line with the Thai government’s strategy to boost tourism in lesser-known cities. This move is part of an initiative to transform secondary tourism cities into bustling hubs. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has tasked the Department of Airports (DoA) with exploring avenues to increase flight frequency to…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok Airways employs French jets to support tourist surge

    Bangkok Airways employs French jets to support tourist surge

    As Thailand’s tourist influx hits an all-time high, Bangkok Airways is scrambling to keep up, turning to France for reinforcements. In a bid to tackle its aircraft shortage, Bangkok Airways (PG, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) has secured a wet-lease deal with French airline Amelia (8R, Paris Le Bourget), which will provide two Airbus narrowbody aircraft to support the Thai carrier’s operations over…

  • Thailand NewsTHAI to fly wide-body jets on domestic routes this December

    THAI to fly wide-body jets on domestic routes this December

    In a move that’s sure to delight frequent flyers, Thai Airways (THAI) revealed plans to swap its trusty A320s for luxurious wide-bodied aircraft on select domestic routes this December, just in time for the peak holiday season. The airline is ramping up capacity to accommodate the soaring demand during the Christmas-to-new year rush, from December 20 to 31. While official…

  • Thailand NewsThai smile, Roman style: New Italy-Thailand flight to boost tourism

    Thai smile, Roman style: New Italy-Thailand flight to boost tourism

    Thailand just got a little closer to Italy. The inaugural ITA Airways direct flight from Rome to Bangkok touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport, marking the beginning of a new era for tourism and business travel between the two countries. This direct route, running five times a week, offers Italian travellers a smoother journey to Thailand’s famous beaches, cultural sites, and…