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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Suvarnabhumi Airport unveils speed passport checks: No more immigration queues
In a move set to transform the travel game, Suvarnabhumi International Airport unveiled an upgrade to its passport control system. In an exclusive revelation, Police Lieutenant General Itthipol Itthisarnronnachai, the visionary commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, disclosed that a groundbreaking shift is underway at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Effective from December 15, the airport will extend its automatic passport channels to include…
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Air Canada flight revival: Bangkok to Vancouver route takes off for a holiday high
Great news for holidaymakers in North America and Thailand, as Air Canada today announced the reinstatement of direct flights between Bangkok and Vancouver. H E Ping Kitnikone, the Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Thailand, extended invitations to esteemed guests and partners for Air Canada’s Agency Reception at the Ambassador’s Official Residence. Air Canada has officially reinstated direct flights…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport opens automated channels to foreign travellers
The Immigration Bureau (IB) announced that Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s automated channels are now accessible to foreigners to alleviate congestion for outbound travel. This decision, effective from December 15, aligns with the Prime Minister’s directive, enforced by Srettha Thavasin, to enhance the outbound immigration system. The move is aimed at reducing the density of passengers who need to rush to catch…
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Thai Airways resolves seating dispute following passenger complaint
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) convened with Thai Airways International Public Co. Ltd. yesterday, December 8 following a passenger’s complaint that surfaced on social media. The disgruntled passenger had purchased a business-class ticket but was seated in the economy class. An ensuing investigation revealed that Thai Airways had restructured its business model, replacing Thai Smile flights with continuous flights…
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Altitude alert: Flight attendant spills beans on why plane coffee gets a turbulent reaction (video)
A flight attendant sparked a heated discussion on social media by revealing why passengers should avoid drinking coffee served on planes. The video clip was posted on the TikTok account @ichbinvin, responding to a query initially raised on the website Reddit about the dirty little secrets of working on an aircraft. The flight attendant, Kevin, agreed with another netizen’s comment,…
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Sky’s the limit for drama: Fire drill steals the show near Phuket International Airport
Onlookers in the vicinity of Phuket International Airport yesterday were treated to an unexpected spectacle of dark smoke rising into the sky. Fear not, Phuket Airport General Manager Monchai Tanode clarified that the source of the smoke was a routine fire drill conducted by the airport’s Fire and Rescue Department. Monchai, in his role as the general manager of Phuket…
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Sky’s the limit: Vietnam Airlines unveils game-changing route connecting Da Nang and Bangkok
Vietnam Airlines soared into the limelight by inaugurating a direct route between Da Nang International Airport and Bangkok‘s Don Mueang International Airport. The airline’s bold move, announced yesterday, November 29, is set to revolutionise travel between these two dynamic destinations. At the launch event, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand, Phan Chi Thanh, expressed optimism about the prospects of the newly established…
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Mid-air madness: Unruly passenger turns Lufthansa flight to Bangkok into chaos
A 53 year old German man turned a routine Lufthansa flight from Munich to Bangkok into a chaotic nightmare. From threats to undressing and attempting to set a blanket ablaze, this turbulent episode forced an unscheduled landing in India. Just a few hours into the 10-hour and 45-minute journey, chaos erupted as the unnamed German man unleashed a series of…
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Thai Airways takes a smile: Reinstates nine cool-season routes for domestic delight
Thai Airways International reinstated nine domestic routes for the cool season, previously provided by its former affiliate, Thai Smile Airways. The services, which will run until March 30, utilise the Airbus A320 planes from the airline’s former subsidiary, Thai Smile. The re-established routes offer daily flights from Bangkok to nine destinations – Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen,…
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Chinese airlines hit turbulence: Air China, China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines pump the brakes on December and January flights
Major Chinese airlines such as Air China, China Eastern, and Shanghai Airlines, slam the brakes on flights for December and January. Several Chinese airlines, notably Air China, China Eastern, and Shanghai Airlines, sent shockwaves through the travel industry by cancelling flights to Thailand for December and January. The root cause? A plunge in bookings mirrors China’s economic downturn and a…
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Thai Airways’ sky high ambitions: Plans for 90 new jets unveiled
Thai Airways International PCL is gearing up for a jaw-dropping fleet expansion with a plan to soar with 90 new aircraft. In a game-changing move, Thai Airways International PCL is contemplating a colossal boost to its fleet, eyeing a procurement of up to 90 aircraft from aviation giants Airbus SE and Boeing Co. Sources reveal that Thai Airways is mulling…
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Don Mueang flight carrying Thai singer makes emergency landing after engine explosion
The engine of an aircraft from Don Mueang carrying famed singer Unnop Thongborisut, better known as Por, exploded mid-flight, causing widespread panic among passengers. The incident occurred as the aircraft was en route from Don Mueang Airport, with the safe landing achieved at the same airport. Por, one of the passengers, posted a clip on her Instagram story recounting the…
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Bangchak to launch Thailand’s first sustainable aviation fuel factory
Bangchak Corporation Plc, a leading energy conglomerate in Thailand, is set to launch the country’s first factory to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from used cooking oil. The operation of the factory will start in early 2025, with the aim of reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the aviation industry. The venture is being propelled as the Department of Airports and…
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Loy Krathong chaos at Chiang Mai Airport: 160 flights shuffled, travellers beware!
With the upcoming Loy Krathong Festival in sight, Chiang Mai Airport is set to experience a whirlwind of changes, with a staggering 160 flights facing disruptions from November 27 to 28, post 7pm. Chiang Mai Airport Deputy Director Wisut Khamyod revealed today a jaw-dropping 101 cancellations and 59 rescheduled flights, creating a turbulence level hitting 47% of regular air traffic.…
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Nok Air hit by widespread flight delays amid technical issues
A recent surge in delayed flights by Nok Air sparked widespread discussion about the airline‘s on-time performance (OTP). Passengers’ experiences of these delays were brought to light this week when renowned television reporter Thapanee Eadsrichai shared on Facebook that many passengers on a Nok Air flight from Don Mueang Airport to Chiang Mai had to be relocated to other flights…
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Airlines request more flight slots into Thailand, CAAT reveals
A request for slot redistribution has been lodged by several airlines as they plan to increase flights into Thailand, reveals an insider from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). This request was presented to CAAT’s top executives at the 153rd Slot Conference that took place in Dubai from November 14 to 17. This biannual gathering, arranged by the International…
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Thailand sees surge in airfares despite low travel season
Airfares in Thailand witnessed a substantial increase in the third quarter of this year, despite it traditionally being a low season for travel. This surge was driven by a robust travel demand. Thai AirAsia, for instance, observed a 22% year-on-year rise in its airfares during this period, while Bangkok Airways’ rates saw a 15% hike. The average fare price for…
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Smooth sailing: Suvarnabhumi Airport’s snazzy channels promise swift boarding for foreign jet-setters
Foreign passengers will soon experience expedited boarding at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, thanks to the introduction of automatic channels set to go live next month. The move aims to ease congestion at the airport, allowing for a smoother transit experience for travellers. Currently, the automatic processing at Suvarnabhumi is limited to travellers holding Thai, Hong Kong or Singaporean passports, as relayed…
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Thai Airways reveals rising revenue in third-quarter results this year
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited and its subsidiaries announced their third-quarter performance results today, showing a total revenue of 37,008 million baht. This is an increase from the same period last year, which stood at 32,860 million baht, marking a rise of 12.6%. The company and its subsidiaries transported a total of 3.27 million passengers, with Thai Airways accounting…
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Thai Airways reports profitable Q4, driven by Chinese visitor surge
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) announced a profitable fourth quarter, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of profits, underpinned by a steady recovery in passenger numbers amid the Covid-19 era. The growth has been particularly driven by a surge in visitors from China. Thai Airways recorded a net income of 1.54 billion baht (US$43 million) for the quarter ending…
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Thai AirAsia launches fly-thru flight to boost up lesser-visited provinces
Thai AirAsia has launched a new fly-thru service connecting Phuket to Don Mueang Airport and Phitsanulok. The aim is to encourage foreign tourists visiting Phuket to explore and discover lesser-visited provinces like Phitsanulok and other areas in the lower northern region of Thailand. Sasiwan Siphrom, the President of the Tourism Council of the Lower Northern Provinces, highlighted that in collaboration…
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Thai Airways launches direct flights from Bangkok to Istanbul
Thai Airways International (THAI) is set to start direct flights from Bangkok to Istanbul on December 1, marking a significant expansion of its international flight network. The announcement was officially made in a recent launch ceremony, presided over by the Chairperson of THAI Plan Administrators, Piyasvasti Amranand, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to Thailand, Serap Ersoy. The…
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Grab cross-border delivery of chicken rice on TikTok revealed as hoax
A Green-clad Grab delivery worker hopping on a plane to Singapore to transport a customer’s chicken rice order in Thailand turned out to be a hoax. A TikTok video depicting the scenario went viral, with a spokesperson for Grab Singapore confirming to The Straits Times that the video was created independently by a public individual, and the featured delivery partner…
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Residents soar in opposition to Chiang Mai Airport’s extended hours plan
Chiang Mai International Airport‘s proposed plan to extend its operating hours is facing mounting opposition from the locals of the Mae Hia subdistrict. The contention stems from the lack of compensation for the damages inflicted by the airport’s activities over the past five years. Meena Chankaew, president of the Nimman Noradee Neighbourhood, voiced the concerns of the residents whose properties…
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Thai Airways sees surge in bookings despite pandemic and global conflict
Thai Airways International (THAI) reported a surge in bookings on its European and Australian routes for the fourth quarter of this year, signalling a robust recovery for the airline even amid an ongoing pandemic. Despite the broader global economic slowdown and the Israel-Hamas war, these routes have witnessed heavy bookings. However, the Chinese market remains slow, possibly due to various…
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Phuket Airport’s ‘cool’ conundrum: A chilling malfunction
Phuket International Airport publicly addressed the ongoing issue of its malfunctioning air conditioning system at the international terminal managed by Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), Phuket International Airport general manager is Monchai Tanode but a response to the problem was delivered in a press release yesterday with no specific signatory. The document clarified the issue of the air conditioning system’s…
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Flight flab: Thai airlines weigh in on passenger pounds
Several airlines have introduced weight checks for passengers and their luggage before boarding to calculate standard and average passenger weight. This passenger weigh-in measure, initiated today, allows airlines to distribute weight more effectively on international flights, thus reducing fuel usage. Foreign airlines have implemented the passenger weigh-in rule to investigate and calculate standard and average passenger weight. The collected data…
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Phuket Airport’s future takes flight: Environmental impact on the agenda
A meeting took place this morning to discuss the potential environmental and community impact of the proposed development plans for Phuket International Airport. The meeting, organised by the Phuket office of the Airports of Thailand (AOT), was held at the Proud Phuket Hotel near Naiyang Beach. The Chief Administrative Officer of the Phuket Provincial Office, Somprat Prabsongkhram, led the assembly.…
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Traveloka reports surge in Thailand travel bookings amid slow aviation recovery
Travel bookings to Thailand have seen a significant surge, according to online travel agent Traveloka. The company’s president, Caesar Indra, highlighted that despite the slow recovery of the aviation sector, Thais have predominantly utilised their platform for air ticket bookings, veering towards less frequented destinations. This trend has been mirrored across numerous Asian markets. Indra reported a fivefold increase in…
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High-flying headache: Aviation industry faces pilot pinch, needs 650,000 in 20 years
The aviation industry is currently grappling with a global pilot shortage, with an estimated 650,000 pilots required over the next two decades, as per data from the Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA). The dearth of pilots is attributed to a scarcity of flight instructors worldwide, said Abdulla Al Hammadi, EFTA’S vice president. The industry is highly competitive, with airlines recruiting…
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