Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) will reduce flight frequencies across domestic and international routes in May 2026, citing sharply higher fuel costs and weaker passenger demand during the low season. The cuts affect services within Thailand as well as routes to Asia and Europe, with some routes suspended entirely. Ticket agents have been notified and the airline said it has prepared options to help agents and passengers manage the changes.

Get today's headlines by email

The adjustments will run throughout May, with domestic services to Khon Kaen reduced from four to three flights per day, Udon Thani from three to two, and Ubon Ratchathani from 14 flights per week to 12 between May 5 and 28. Across Asia, Phnom Penh services will fall from 14 to 11 flights per week, while Singapore drops from five to four flights daily. In North Asia, significant reductions include Seoul (Incheon) from three flights daily to one, and the suspension of Kaohsiung services from May 8 to 31.

Further cuts include Tokyo (Narita) from three to two flights daily, Beijing and Shanghai each reduced to one flight per day, and Taipei from three to two daily services. Hong Kong will see frequencies drop from four to three flights daily. In South Asia, Hyderabad services will reduce from daily to five flights per week, Mumbai from two daily flights to one and Delhi slightly reduced from 22 to 21 weekly services.

European routes are also affected, with Istanbul reduced from daily to five weekly flights, and Frankfurt cut from 14 to 12 weekly services. Munich, Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm will each see reductions from seven to five flights per week during specified periods in May. These adjustments reflect a broader effort by the airline to manage operational costs amid rising oil prices and seasonal demand fluctuations.

The airline said it has prepared contingency options for agents and passengers, though details were not disclosed in the notice. The move highlights ongoing pressure on airlines globally as fuel costs remain volatile, while demand softens outside peak travel periods. Industry observers note that such schedule adjustments are common during low season but may signal broader cost-control measures.

The Nation reported that Thai Airways is expected to monitor fuel prices and booking trends closely before making further scheduling decisions. Passengers are advised to check flight status and liaise with agents regarding any changes. The airline has not indicated whether similar adjustments will extend beyond May.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 18 Apr 2026

View full article

Maybe Thai Airways should look at the Price's they charge and look at other Carriers like Viet-Jet, both demescially and International flights. Thai is more Expensive than most International Carriers before the problems in Iran.

I'm going back to the UK mid-May via Thai Airways, and coming back on Eva Air, it is the same aircraft it's just code-shared.

I normally use Qatar Air, which is normally code-shared with up to 4 different airlines.

So, as I see it, coded airlines will still pay Thai for that flight, as long as the flight is full, which, under the current situation, it more than likely will be, Thai will still be making money.

Am I looking at it wrong or what?

6 hours ago, BarraMarra said:

Maybe Thai Airways should look at the Price's they charge and look at other Carriers like Viet-Jet, both demescially and International flights. Thai is more Expensive than most International Carriers before the problems in Iran.

A friend of mine had a return flight Belgium - Thailand with Thai, 2 weeks ago. Price 2400 Euro in economy

Another friend had similar flight with Thai in business a week earlier. Price 5200 euro

5 hours ago, CallumWK said:

A friend of mine had a return flight Belgium - Thailand with Thai, 2 weeks ago. Price 2400 Euro in economy

Another friend had similar flight with Thai in business a week earlier. Price 5200 euro

I live in the North of England Callum, Thai only fly from London Heathrow. Maybe they should look at Manchester, take a chance and fly from Manchester Bkk.

7 hours ago, BarraMarra said:

I live in the North of England Callum, Thai only fly from London Heathrow. Maybe they should look at Manchester, take a chance and fly from Manchester Bkk.

Not sure if I understand the point of your post, but why would my friends travel to UK to take the Thai airways flight, which obviously will cost the same.

As a comparison.

Thai airways business 5200 euro return.

Etihad business same destination 1952 euro. Only difference is that it isn't direct, and takes 3 hours more.
I can't earn 3248 euro in 6 hours (return) so know what I will select

I just checked and Etihad flies from Manchester

Already cut down domestic from Khon Kaen to 3 flights daily.

Back to the 90s

21 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

I just checked and Etihad flies from Manchester

Manchester is more than well served.

Etihad, Qatar and Emirates connect to Bangkok.

And of course countless other one carrier / one-stop connections like Cathay Pacific?

And whether a non-stop by Thai Airways would fill up?

1 minute ago, KhunBENQ said:

And whether a non-stop by Thai Airways would fill up?

Most likely not at those rip off prices Thai charges lol

I read Europe has only 6 weeks supply of Jet Furl.

I would be avoiding flying after May if you can.

It's called low season for reason.