Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Pattaya is gearing up for an economic boost with a series of new domestic flight routes, connecting the city like never before. This bold move is part of Thailand's "New Route – New Airline" initiative, aimed at establishing the kingdom as a regional aviation powerhouse.

 

Leading the initiative are major players like Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and newcomer EZY Airlines. These airlines have launched a raft of new connections between June and July 2025. Danai Rueangsorn, Director-General of the Department of Airports, heralded the development as a pivotal milestone in enhancing regional access and tackling economic disparities.

 

"By improving connectivity, we’re creating more opportunities for business, tourism, and regional development. This is a crucial step in making Thailand a true aviation hub."

 

One highlight is Thai Lion Air’s direct service from Pattaya’s U-Tapao Airport to Udon Thani, operating four times a week since 11 June. This route offers seamless access to Isaan’s cultural heartland, set to boost trade and tourism. Additionally, Thai Lion Air has launched daily flights from Don Mueang Airport to Nakhon Phanom, expanding the domestic network further.

 

Not to be outdone, Thai AirAsia has significantly broadened its schedule from Suvarnabhumi Airport. New services include daily flights to Narathiwat and Surat Thani, three weekly flights to Buriram, and seven weekly flights to Nakhon Si Thammarat during peak seasons. These connections make Pattaya more accessible from all over Thailand.

 

EZY Airlines has also entered the fray, launching a unique route between Hat Yai and Betong three times a week from 27 June. This service enhances southern Thailand's accessibility and fosters cross-border tourism and trade.

 

Officials expect the surge in routes to bring substantial benefits to local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions are preparing for a visitor influx, driven by more affordable and frequent flights.

 

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 stated.

 

With these developments, Pattaya's tourism and economic landscapes are set for significant positive changes, promising a dynamic future for the city.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-16

 

 

It only mentions Thai Lion Air going directly from U-Tapao. The other two are from Bkk's airports.

Will the services stop after July?

How do you get from U-Tapao airport to soi 6......must be a good 40/50 mins door to door?

Its hard to keep up with the brilliant ideas Thailand has to stop the inevitable downfall that's happening. 

 

 

Yet still no U-tapau to Khon Kaen!!

1 hour ago, LennyW said:

Yet still no U-tapau to Khon Kaen!!

 

 

You seem surprised?

19 hours ago, Will B Good said:

How do you get from U-Tapao airport to soi 6......must be a good 40/50 mins door to door?

If flying from Udon Thani no need to go to Soi6 better to fly from U-Tapao to Udon.

It would be nice to have a STEADY AIRPORT service in KORAT, but all have failed so far.

You're only saving about 30 mins by flying into U-Tapao instead of Suvarnabhumi, not exactly as earth shattering as the OP makes it out to be.

U-Tapao to Udon used to operate years ago, what happened to that ? But have noticed new prices have trebled, the thieves are at it again.

1 hour ago, Toby1947 said:

U-Tapao to Udon used to operate years ago, what happened to that ? But have noticed new prices have trebled, the thieves are at it again.

 

 

 

2.720 THB a return ticket to Udon Thani from U-Tapao.

 

1.650 THB from Suvarnabhumi Airport with Vietjet.

 

 

 

Essentially the same article was posted a bit over a week ago - is there something new here that I'm missing? 

 

 

22 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Pattaya is gearing up for an economic boost with a series of new domestic flight routes, connecting the city like never before. This bold move is part of Thailand's "New Route – New Airline" initiative, aimed at establishing the kingdom as a regional aviation powerhouse

Will the flights be cheaper than the bus ?

I'f not most domestic users will travel the old way

To the corners of the world, lol

On 7/16/2025 at 5:46 PM, snoop1130 said:

access to Isaan’s cultural heartland,

Be handy for all the hookers.

5 hours ago, edwardflory said:

It would be nice to have a STEADY AIRPORT service in KORAT, but all have failed so far.

Same the socalled airport in surin who failed 100% because of corruption.

So, only one small new service targets Pattaya--even that's a maybe--and the biggest bulk of the article relates to other places yet the article title still manages to make it all about Pattaya, which it clearly was not.

I rather take taxi.Migth more expensive but take me where i want to go.Can stop for a cold beer and a sig.

Stop wherever i want.

Ah, domestic flights. Bringing in more bar girls than tourists I'd imagine. 

11 hours ago, norsurin said:

Same the socalled airport in surin who failed 100% because of corruption.

I have been up here the best part of 30 years on and off, and always waited for the airport to open. Is it owned by the military?

Udon probably has the best catchment area but in my case it's a 4 hour drive and in the wrong direction, so driving is the only viable option to get to Pattaya from Yasothon.

2 hours ago, AhFarangJa said:

I have been up here the best part of 30 years on and off, and always waited for the airport to open. Is it owned by the military?

It was supposed to be owned by the military.But the guy in charge steel the money so the work stopped.

The nearest now is on satuek in buriram.

Somebody is blowing - again and again - their own trumpet BIG time. 

Up to 2019, Air Asia operated two daily flights between Udon Thani (International without international flights) airport and U Tapao. Full to the rim, each and every flight; I flew countless times this sector. 

So four flights now replace the fourteen flights in the past; most passengers were not tourists either. Most were working ladies from Pattaya returning to their homes in the very North of Isan, gold decorated like Christmas trees with any number between 1 and 11 boxes of Krispy Kreme which jammed the overhead lockers; rather than buying the sugary stuff at the destination. 

The article is all about Internal flights presumably competing for the ever vanishing Pattaya farang who has passed the dope test by filling in a TDAC form.

I love the fact that the Thais try to solve problems and aren't afraid to change their approach to things. Not much of that going on in the West these days. It seems like problems are identified and the various levels of government throw gasoline onto the fire and wring their hands in despair. 

What is the taxi/Grab situation at U Tapao?

Are the taxis regulated with set prices or is it controlled by a mafia?

 

What would be the cost to go to Bang Saray from the airport?

Just now, BKKKevin said:

What is the taxi/Grab situation at U Tapao?

Are the taxis regulated with set prices or is it controlled by a mafia?

 

What would be the cost to go to Bang Saray from the airport?

 

 

500 Baht with my regular guy.

 

 

A BOLT would no doubt be cheaper.

Okay I digress but does anyone know if the new large airport extension at Buriram airport will cater for international flights , as it seems to be too big for domestic flights only . I believe that the new extension is due to be in service this year . There was a rumour that Emirates were going to fly there from Dubai .