About 1,000 flights bound for Thailand have been canceled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Aeronautical Radio of Thailand reports significant disruptions to flights following the US and Israel's strikes on Tehran, which began on February 28. This impact is particularly felt by Middle Eastern airlines, sharply reducing their services to key Thai airports.
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Suvarnabhumi and Phuket airports are the most affected, with 600 and 400 canceled flights respectively. Other airports, including Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Don Mueang, have also seen cancellations, representing around 3% of all incoming flights for the period. The disruption is part of broader consequences affecting global aviation due to strategic airspace closures and heightened geopolitical tensions.
Surachai Nuprom, acting president of Aerothai, expressed concerns over the limited growth in the aviation sector this year. The combination of conflict-related cancellations, restricted airspace access, and escalating energy prices are pushing airlines to increase fares, which is likely to dampen travel demand. These factors contribute to projected aviation growth of just 3% from last year.
Looking ahead, recovery in the sector may hinge on the stabilization of the Middle East region and a resolution to the airspace challenges. As airlines adjust their operations and pricing strategies, the tourism-dependent Thai economy could face further challenges. Industry watchers will be closely monitoring developments to gauge the potential long-term impacts on passenger traffic and regional connectivity, reported Bangkok Post.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 18 Mar 2026