In anticipation of a surge in air travel this year-end, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has requested airlines to arrange 66 additional flights from December 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026. This initiative will provide an extra 11,312 seats. Additionally, airlines will offer 30% discounts on 202 flights across 11 routes.

 

Background:

 

CAAT Director-General Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon announced the additional flights and discounted fares to manage the expected increase in passenger numbers during the festive season. The extra flights will cover six major routes including Bangkok to Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. Monitoring has shown a steady rise in passenger numbers, nearing pre-Covid levels, with almost 479,979 travellers reported as of December 21, 2025.

 

Reaction/Implications:

 

Expert views highlight a notable recovery in travel demand, particularly when comparing numbers from the pandemic's peak. The CAAT's measures aim to alleviate passenger burdens and improve travel experiences. Related agencies, such as Airports of Thailand and Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, are supporting these efforts by reducing operational fees for participating flights and extending airport hours.

 

Looking Ahead:

 

Passengers are advised to book directly through airlines to take advantage of special fares. Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet Air, and Nok Air will facilitate bookings up to the day of travel through January 5, 2026. Travel is expected to peak on December 27, 2025, and CAAT urges passengers to plan their journeys in advance to secure the best fares, reported The Nation.

 

Key Takeaways:

• CAAT announces 66 extra flights and 30% discounts over the festive period.
• Passenger volumes are near pre-Covid levels, with major boosts in domestic and international travel.
• Related agencies reduce operational costs and extend services to manage increased traffic.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-12-26

 

 

 

I always thought it was a commercial-decision for the local airlines, when to add extra-flights or put on larger-planes, but now learn that it was the CAAT all this time !

 

I do also recall when, 20-30 years ago, Thai Airways would put on B744s instead of smaller aircraft, over Christmas and the New-Year rushes, and thought this was so they could make more money ?  

CAAT Adds 66 Flights as Year-End Travel Nears Pre-Covid Levels

>an extra 11,312 seats !

 

and this:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1382691-k-pop-star-lisa-to-feature-in-thailand-tourism-campaign/

 

Sounds a bit desperate.

Add seats but it's the backsides that fill them that count

On 12/25/2025 at 9:33 PM, webfact said:

the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has requested airlines to arrange 66 additional flights

 

On 12/25/2025 at 9:33 PM, webfact said:

CAAT Director-General Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon announced the additional flights and discounted fares

 

So has he just "requested" these flights, or have they actually been scheduled? And how can he force airlines to offer discounts? And why are he and CAAT involved in this at all?

On 12/26/2025 at 3:33 AM, webfact said:

anticipation of a surge in air travel this year-end,

AIM

 

REALITY

 

(TAT) expects a significant decline in New Year holiday revenue, forecasting a 2-9% decline

 

Someone is telling porkies!