Transport Pattaya's Tourism Skyrockets with New Domestic Flight Routes

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Pattaya is poised for a tourism boom as a wave of new domestic flights connects the city more comprehensively than ever. This ambitious expansion is part of Thailand’s "New Route – New Airline" initiative, designed to transform the kingdom into a regional aviation powerhouse.

 

Leading this initiative are Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and newcomer EZY Airlines, all of which have introduced a series of new routes between June and July 2025. Director-General of the Department of Airports, Danai Rueangsorn, praised the development as a crucial step in the Ministry of Transport’s vision to enhance regional access and reduce economic inequality.

 

“By improving connectivity, we’re creating more opportunities for business, tourism, and regional development—a crucial step towards making Thailand a true aviation hub,” Danai stated.

 

Among the most notable new routes is Thai Lion Air’s direct service from Pattaya’s U-Tapao Airport to Udon Thani, flying four times a week since June 11. This route offers seamless access to Isaan’s cultural heartland, expected to boost both trade and tourism. In addition, Thai Lion Air has launched daily flights from Don Mueang Airport to Nakhon Phanom, strengthening the domestic flight network.

 

Meanwhile, Thai AirAsia has significantly expanded its schedule from Suvarnabhumi Airport, now offering daily flights to Narathiwat and Surat Thani, three weekly flights to Buriram, and seven weekly flights to Nakhon Si Thammarat during the high season. These routes simplify travel to Pattaya from every corner of Thailand.

 

EZY Airlines has also entered the scene with a unique route between Hat Yai and Betong, operating three times a week since 27 June. This service improves accessibility to southern Thailand and encourages cross-border tourism and trade.

 

Officials anticipate that the surge of new routes will bring substantial benefits to local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions in Pattaya are preparing for a significant influx of visitors, thanks to more affordable and frequent flights. This influx is likely to energise the local economy significantly, increasing tourism revenues and creating jobs.

 

Danai emphasised the importance of collaboration between the government and airlines in maintaining this momentum. “Partnerships like these are key to supporting regional airports like U-Tapao and ensuring that the benefits of growth reach every part of Thailand,” he said.

 

With these developments, Pattaya is set to shine as a central hub in Thailand’s aviation landscape, promising exciting new opportunities for travel and economic growth.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-09

 

 

[KhunBENQ]

One day depressed by missing Chinese.

The other day skyrocketed by some domestic flights from Udon to U-Tapao and who knows from where.

Complete laughing stock.

 

There are about 10 flights daily from Udon to Bangkok. And who wants to end up at the deserted U-Tapao? The advantage in time and taxi fees is minimal to non existent.

[JoePai]

17 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

One day depressed by missing Chinese.

The other day skyrocketed by some domestic flights from Udon to U-Tapao and who knows from where.

Complete laughing stock.

 

There are about 10 flights daily from Udon to Bangkok. And who wants to end up at the deserted U-Tapao? The advantage in time and taxi fees is minimal to non existent.

The only savings are 400 Baht on the taxi each way, an hours travelling and a fair bit of time in airport (waiting for bags etc)

[MarcelV]

Interesting to see flights between Betong and Hat Yai! Perhaps another round of flight between Betong and Bangkok or Pattaya could be given a go. My guess is that plenty of folks in Pattaya would like to see the wonders of the deep south.

[spidermike007]

I have a good friend who just spent a week and Pattaya, he's been coming there once or twice a year for 15 years, and he said he's never seen it so quiet, and in all that time nearly everyone he ran into was an expat, and they were very few tourists anywhere he went. 

[hotchilli]

1 hour ago, MarcelV said:

My guess is that plenty of folks in Pattaya would like to see the wonders of the deep south.

I kind of sniggered, but that's how my mind works...  Pattaya home of the wonders of the deep south.

[Espanol]

 

Given the destinations on offer, it seems they will encourage more girls from Isaan to come to Pattaya.