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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Etihad Airways unveils luxurious flatbeds to Phuket in 2025
Etihad Airways is set to elevate the travel experience between Abu Dhabi and Phuket, unveiling plans to launch flights on the Airbus A321LR, featuring flatbed business class seats, from August 2025. The airline’s booking engine has already confirmed these details, showcasing its ambition to connect the UAE with the tropical paradise of Thailand in unprecedented comfort. The inaugural flight on…
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Korean jet deal with Thailand boosts defence ties
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) inked a pivotal memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Thailand’s Thai Aviation Industries (TAI). This landmark agreement aims to supercharge the operational rate and support capabilities of the T-50TH aircraft, a key asset in Thailand’s air defence arsenal. This MOU marks a significant milestone in the defence partnership between South Korea and Thailand, with both nations stepping up…
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Phuket or leave it: Flooded roads sink travel plans to island airport
Flooding across Phuket is wreaking havoc on travellers bound for the island’s international airport, as waterlogged roads spark major disruptions. Local officials are urging passengers to rethink their travel plans, advising them to allow an extra three to four hours to reach the airport in these treacherous conditions. Phuket International Airport officials issued a public warning, strongly recommending the additional…
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Thai Vietjet takes off: Targets nearly 8 million passengers this year
Low-cost airline Thai Vietjet aims to attract nearly eight million passengers this year by enhancing aircraft utilisation and increasing flights on existing routes, with plans to introduce new Boeing 737 Max jets next year. Thai Vietjet Chief Executive Woranate Laprabang highlighted that the visa-free scheme has significantly boosted demand on international routes, particularly to China. The airline operates flights to over…
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Thai Lion Air expands fleet, aims for 7 million passengers
Thai Lion Air is expanding its fleet and reinstating routes in response to rising tourism demand, aiming for 6-7 million passengers and achieving its first post-pandemic profit. Thai Lion Air chief Nuntaporn Komonsittivate made known that domestic and international routes have recovered by 60%, supported by an increase in operational jets to 20 from 11 in recent years. The average…
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Soaring high: Thai AirAsia’s stunning turnaround in 2024
Asia Aviation (AAV), the proud sole shareholder of Thai AirAsia, unleashed its operational results for the first half of 2024, boasting an impressive financial recovery. The figures are staggering, with revenue from sales and services soaring to 25,279 million baht, marking a 32% year-on-year increase. AAV’s profit from core operations skyrocketed by a jaw-dropping 1,015%, reaching 1,950 million baht from…
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AirAsia launches new route from Bangkok to Kathmandu
AirAsia is set to soar into the skies with its latest addition to the South Asian route, offering four weekly flights between Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport and Kathmandu, Nepal. The service, launching on October 2, will utilise the A320neo aircraft, renowned for its efficiency and comfort. The airline is rolling out this exciting route with a tantalising promotional fare,…
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VietJet to receive ten Airbus jets amid aircraft shortages
VietJet, the Vietnamese budget airline, will receive up to ten Airbus jets this year, as revealed today. The delivery comes as local airlines grapple with aircraft shortages driven by engine recalls and elevated leasing costs. VietJet announced the upcoming arrival of new jets, specifically the A321neo ACF model, starting this month. This move is part of a significant expansion, with…
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British Airways flights to Bangkok to resume end of October
British Airways is ramping up its flights from London to Bangkok and expanding its codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways, giving travellers even more options to explore Thailand and Cambodia. British Airways’ direct route from London Gatwick to Bangkok is back on October 28, after a four-year hiatus. Initially operating three times a week, the service will increase to five weekly…
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Thailand K-Mile Asia takes flight with widebody freighters
Thailand’s K-Mile Asia marks its debut into widebody freighter operations with the acquisition of the first of two Boeing 767-300ER(BCF) aircraft expected this year. The first of these sky giants, bearing the registration HS-KSA (msn 33421), was recently spotted in K-Mile’s striking livery in China’s Guangzhou province, hinting at big changes ahead for the Thai carrier. In an industry shake-up,…
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Phumtham inspects U-Tapao Airport project set for 2029 completion
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Phumtham Wechayachai visited U-Tapao Airport to monitor the progress of its development project, aiming for completion by 2029. The deputy PM inspected the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development project in Ban Chang district, Rayong province. Accompanied by Tharit Issarayangyuen, Deputy Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office, naval representatives, and private…
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Thai AirAsia launches new route from Tiruchi to Bangkok
Thai AirAsia will be launching direct flights from southern India’s Tiruchirappalli (also known as Tiruchi) to Bangkok, starting September 21. This move not only expands the airline’s network but also strengthens its foothold in the Indian market. The new service will operate thrice a week, offering flights in the Bangkok-Tiruchi-Bangkok sector on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The flight will depart…
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Thailand takes off with green aviation: SAF guidelines
Thailand’s Energy Ministry is poised to unveil groundbreaking guidelines on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the final quarter of this year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). This initiative tackles the colossal carbon footprint of the energy sector, the top offender in global warming. With the energy sector spewing out a staggering 69% of total emissions—40% from…
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Thai Lion Air flight delayed over fake bomb threat at Indian airport
At India’s Cochin International Airport, a passenger’s fake bomb threat wreaked havoc, delaying Thai Lion Air flight SL211 and leading to the individual’s arrest. The drama unfolded today during a routine security check before the flight’s departure to Thailand. According to Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), the disruptive passenger made the bomb threat while undergoing the Secondary Ladder Point Check…
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Phuket Airport grounded: Power cut leaves flights in the dark
Phuket International Airport faced a brief power outage last night because of a power failure in the Provincial Electricity Authority’s (PEA) 115kV electricity distribution system. The outage, which started at 6.25pm, yesterday, August 6, impacted the Thalang district area, including the airport, according to an announcement from the Airports of Thailand Phuket branch (AoT Phuket). The disruption was attributed to…
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Nok Air’s future in turbulence: Delisting deadline looms
Nok Air (Bangkok Don Mueang) is in the hot seat once more, facing the threat of being delisted by the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The clock is ticking as the airline has been given until September 8 to resolve its financial mess and get back to trading on the bourse. The SET, in a July 31 announcement, laid down…
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Passengers trapped on ‘sauna’ jet on London to Bangkok flight (video)
In a nightmare at 30,000 feet, passengers on a Heathrow to Bangkok flight endured panic attacks and struggled to breathe after their plane turned into a sweltering sauna for two hours. The Boeing 777, operated by Thai Airways (THAI), was set to depart on Thursday, July 25 but never left the ground due to a malfunctioning air conditioning system. Video…
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Pilot trainer dies in plane crash, family mourns loss
A grieving mother received the body of her son, a pilot trainer who tragically died in a small plane crash. Although devastated, she expressed immense pride in her son, who passed away doing what he loved. Phudit Supawatnakul, a 33 year old flight instructor, perished when his small aircraft crashed into a house within a golf course in Samut Sakhon.…
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Cebu Pacific unveils first direct flights from Manila to Chiang Mai
Cebu Pacific introduces its inaugural direct flights from Manila to Chiang Mai, starting October 29. This new route marks the airline’s fourth destination in Thailand, adding to its existing services from Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports. Cebu Pacific’s President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao highlighted the significance of this new route. “Chiang…
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Thai AirAsia acquires Airbus A321neo aircraft
Thai AirAsia is set to revolutionise travel with a massive fleet expansion, aiming to secure 25 Airbus A321neo aircraft from an order placed by AirAsia Aviation Group for 100 of these state-of-the-art planes over the next five years. Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya stated that with tourism and aviation rebounding, the airline is prioritising increasing capacity to meet demand and…
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AirAsia launches direct flights from Phuket to India
AirAsia Thailand unveiled new direct flight routes from Phuket to Chennai and Kolkata, promising seamless travel to paradise from two of India’s major cities. Starting from October 27, these flights will offer travellers a convenient gateway to Phuket’s pristine beaches, vibrant cultural scenes, and delectable seafood. The Chennai-Phuket route will operate thrice weekly, while the Kolkata-Phuket connection will take off…
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Duty-free shutdown drama: Thai airports set to lose big bucks
Airports of Thailand (AOT) is bracing for a colossal monthly loss of 143 million baht after announcing the closure of all duty-free shops in the arrivals areas of five major airports. This shocking move, aimed at boosting domestic spending, was approved by the Cabinet on July 2 and will come into effect on August 1. The closure affects duty-free shops…
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AirAsia revolutionises safety with cutting-edge flight tracking tech
AirAsia Aviation Group and AirAsia X have revolutionised flight safety and efficiency by adopting SITA Mission Watch across seven airlines. This industry-leading technology promises to bring unprecedented improvements to their operations. The partnership between Asia’s top low-cost carriers and SITA culminated in the implementation of SITA Mission Watch, a state-of-the-art flight tracking and monitoring solution. This advanced system provides comprehensive…
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Thai Airways extends lifesaving engine contract with GE Aerospace
Thai Airways (THAI) has just inked a six-year extension with GE Aerospace for their TrueChoice service, ensuring the top-notch maintenance, repair, and overhaul of its GE90 engine-powered Boeing 777 fleet. Russell Stokes, President and CEO of Commercial Engines and Services for GE Aerospace, stated that GE Aerospace is honoured that THAI continues to select us to keep its GE90 fleet…
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New runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport sparks emergency drill
Suvarnabhumi International Airport conducted a high-stakes emergency exercise under the codename SENOP-24 on Tuesday, July 23. This drill, aimed at preparing for the grand opening of the airport’s third runway set for mid-September, was designed to ensure every team is battle-ready for any potential crisis. Kittipong Kittikachorn, the Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport and a key figure in Airports of Thailand…
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Thai AirAsia expands routes to India amid slow China recovery
Thai AirAsia is set to expand its network by launching new routes to India and Southeast Asia in the second half of the year, aiming to compensate for the slow recovery of flights to China. The sluggish Chinese economy and increased competition from domestic travel have significantly impacted this recovery. Tansita Akrarittipirom, head of commercial at Thai AirAsia, revealed that…
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Sky-high tourism boom: Thai-Chinese flights to double
Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co Ltd (Aerothai) announced a dramatic increase in flights between Thailand and China. The number of annual flights is expected to double from under 100,000 to a staggering 200,000, thanks to a new mutual permanent visa waiver policy. The policy, which began in March, allows Chinese and Thai passport holders to enjoy visa-free holidays and transits…
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Tragedy in Kathmandu: Saurya Airlines crash claims 18 lives
A Saurya Airlines aircraft carrying 19 people crashed during takeoff at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, leaving 18 dead. Only the pilot has survived. The ill-fated flight, bound for Pokhara, met with disaster around 11am today, according to news agency PTI. Premnath Thakur, spokesperson for the airport, confirmed the crash and reported the tragic loss of lives. Police and firefighters immediately…
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Global chaos as CrowdStrike fixes world’s biggest IT outage
Cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike has issued a fix for a software glitch that caused one of the most massive global IT outages ever recorded, disrupting industries from airlines and banking to healthcare. CrowdStrike’s CEO George Kurtz confirmed yesterday that the issue had been identified and isolated, but affected Windows computers would need manual reboots to regain functionality. While Microsoft announced that…
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Global cyber outage grounds flights and halts news broadcasts
CrowdStrike, the cybersecurity giant serving a number of global industries, suffered a significant outage this morning, causing disruptions across the globe. This unforeseen technical glitch halted news broadcasts and grounded flights, creating chaos for travellers and media outlets alike. There were no reports of any Thai airports affected. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States reported that three…
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