Krabi Airport has received requests for 126 flights for the 2026-27 winter schedule, reflecting growing international demand ahead of Thailand’s high tourism season. New direct services from Finland and Denmark are expected to strengthen the province’s appeal to long-stay visitors and support the local tourism economy.
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The Ministry of Transport said demand for airport slots increased following the 158th IATA Slot Conference, organised by the International Air Transport Association in Bangkok from June 9 to 11, 2026. Airlines requested a total of 126 flights to Krabi during the winter schedule, which runs from October 25, 2026, to March 27, 2027.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said 16 airlines met with the Department of Airports (DOA) to discuss slot allocation and possible adjustments to arrival and departure times at Krabi Airport. The talks were linked to airline network planning and flight rotations for the upcoming winter season.
Two airlines applied for new routes to Krabi. Finnair requested slots for a Helsinki-Krabi service, while Scandinavian Airlines sought slots for a Copenhagen-Krabi route.
The ministry said the new services present an opportunity to attract high-value tourists from Nordic and Scandinavian markets. Travellers from Finland, Sweden and Denmark are known for taking longer holidays and showing strong interest in wellness-related tourism activities.
Interest in Krabi is also extending beyond Europe. SalamAir, a low-cost airline from Oman operating a fleet of 15 Airbus A320 aircraft, has requested information on airports managed by the DOA and is considering future services to Krabi.
According to DOA director-general Danai Ruangsorn, 14 airlines have requested arrival and departure slots at Krabi Airport for the winter schedule. The applications include scheduled international services from 10 airlines, accounting for 98 flights per week, along with international charter operations from four airlines.
Scandinavian Airlines plans to operate two return flights per week between Copenhagen and Krabi, while Finnair intends to operate two weekly return services between Helsinki and Krabi. Combined, these services will contribute to the total of 126 flights planned for the season.
The developments support the government’s Airport for Regional Development policy, which aims to strengthen regional economies by linking aviation, tourism and transport networks. The DOA also used the IATA conference to present development plans for Krabi Airport, Surat Thani Airport and other regional airports with international growth potential.
The Nation reported that authorities will continue discussions with airlines as plans for the winter schedule progress. In a related development, Lucky Air from China has informed authorities of its intention to launch a Kunming-Udon Thani service in September 2026.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 16 June 2026