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THAI Announces May Flight Reductions for Asia and Europe Routes

Featured Replies

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Thai Airways International (THAI) is set to scale back its operations in May 2026, announcing a reduction in flight frequencies across both domestic and international networks.

The airline cited a "double whammy" of soaring fuel prices and the seasonal dip in travel demand as the primary drivers for the decision.

Key Impact Areas

  • Scope: The cuts will affect short-haul flights within Thailand, regional Asian routes, and long-haul services to Europe.

  • Suspensions: While most routes will see reduced frequency, certain underperforming paths face temporary suspension.

  • Support: THAI has already alerted travel agents and established contingency protocols—including rebooking options and refund policies—to mitigate disruption for affected travelers.

Note for Travelers: If you have a booking for May 2026, it is recommended to check your flight status via the Thai Airways website or contact your booking agent directly to confirm your itinerary.

https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-airways-international-cuts-may-flights-across-asia-europe-r1274/

 

Before the usual THAI bashers chime in with their 'awful' experiences from last millennium, the list of national carriers, especially those in the far east and Australasia, cutting back on services started early last month. Air New Zealand was one of the first to give advance warning of disruptions. Notably, several regional LCC's have announced schedule changes and route suspensions, including AirAsia and Batik.

THAI were due to start non-stop BKK-AMS in July, but that will probably be delayed or axed before that happens.

I get cutting some domestic and regional routes, but non-stop to Europe? Who would want to book a flight transiting the Middle East, if that is even still available? One would think the current uncertainty would boost THAI load factors on many European routes.

9 minutes ago, BKKBike09 said:

I get cutting some domestic and regional routes, but non-stop to Europe? Who would want to book a flight transiting the Middle East, if that is even still available? One would think the current uncertainty would boost THAI load factors on many European routes.


Me, I would! And I just did. Flying to the UK next week via the Middle East.

13 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:


Me, I would! And I just did. Flying to the UK next week via the Middle East.

Thanks for the info - what airline? What's it costing (if you don't mind saying)?

10 minutes ago, BKKBike09 said:

Thanks for the info - what airline? What's it costing (if you don't mind saying)?


No worries. Etihad, to Manchester. 90 minute stop in Abu Dhabi. 70,000 THB business class which is an absolute bargain.

They are also offering two free nights in a hotel in Abu Dhabi if you want to break your journey but I had no interest in that. Not because I'm scared, just that I have something to get to the UK for and something to get back here for so I can't spend the time.

Economy is around 35k and if you don't mind exactly which day it goes as low as 27k. Economy offers one free night in Abu Dhabi.

24 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:


Me, I would! And I just did. Flying to the UK next week via the Middle East.

I had booked flights for May before this “ war “ BKK -DOH - MAN return with Qatar , paid £815 .

Around the end of March got a message that my flights had changed, outbound flights changed by an hour or so and return was cancelled.

Opted for a refund and got that in full.

A couple of weeks later started looking at flights via other routes, a lot more expensive and usually multiple carriers.

Took another look via Middle East, Etihad really cheap ( £450 ish ), Qatar (£650 ish ) and Emirates (£900/1000 ).

Bit the bullet and booked flights same dates as before ( 20 days in May ) for £675.

Working on the theory that Qatar paid out in full very quickly last time i would give them my business again.

Fingers crossed that they will fly without issue, have been checking the flights this week and all, on my chosen route with Qatar, are on schedule.

14 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:


No worries. Etihad, to Manchester. 90 minute stop in Abu Dhabi. 70,000 THB business class which is an absolute bargain.

They are also offering two free nights in a hotel in Abu Dhabi if you want to break your journey but I had no interest in that. Not because I'm scared, just that I have something to get to the UK for and something to get back here for so I can't spend the time.

Economy is around 35k and if you don't mind exactly which day it goes as low as 27k. Economy offers one free night in Abu Dhabi.

Thanks - that's 70K return? A bargain indeed if it is. I paid 70K back in Jan for an EVA premium eco return going to UK in Apr and back to BKK in May.

11 minutes ago, BKKBike09 said:

Thanks - that's 70K return? A bargain indeed if it is. I paid 70K back in Jan for an EVA premium eco return going to UK in Apr and back to BKK in May.


Yeah, 70k return. It's an absolute steal. It includes seat selection and lounge access and all the priority stuff, but it does not include the chauffeur in Bangkok or Manchester (it includes it in Abu Dhabi if you stop off there) but that makes zero difference to me.

On 4/20/2026 at 10:13 AM, NanLaew said:

THAI were due to start non-stop BKK-AMS in July, but that will probably be delayed or axed before that happens.

That new flight has disappeared for now.

11 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

I had booked flights for May before this “ war “ BKK -DOH - MAN return with Qatar , paid £815 .

Around the end of March got a message that my flights had changed, outbound flights changed by an hour or so and return was cancelled.

Opted for a refund and got that in full.

A couple of weeks later started looking at flights via other routes, a lot more expensive and usually multiple carriers.

Took another look via Middle East, Etihad really cheap ( £450 ish ), Qatar (£650 ish ) and Emirates (£900/1000 ).

Bit the bullet and booked flights same dates as before ( 20 days in May ) for £675.

Working on the theory that Qatar paid out in full very quickly last time i would give them my business again.

Fingers crossed that they will fly without issue, have been checking the flights this week and all, on my chosen route with Qatar, are on schedule.


Yeah, I think you'll be fine. My brother came out here for a visit last month with Emirates which was at the height of the madness. They cancelled one of his legs a couple of times but always quickly sorted it out and got him on a new one with no hassle. (This was all a few days before flying, so not a last minute thing).

In the end he flew here and back pretty much as normal. It's why I didn't hesitate to book on Etihad. If anything unexpected happens you know they'll properly look after you and the inconvenience will be minor. And if you need to cancel you'll get a full refund.

They also now make a point when you book of letting it be known you'll get at least one completely free change if YOU decide to change (not them).

18 hours ago, josephbloggs said:


No worries. Etihad, to Manchester. 90 minute stop in Abu Dhabi. 70,000 THB business class which is an absolute bargain.

They are also offering two free nights in a hotel in Abu Dhabi if you want to break your journey but I had no interest in that. Not because I'm scared, just that I have something to get to the UK for and something to get back here for so I can't spend the time.

Economy is around 35k and if you don't mind exactly which day it goes as low as 27k. Economy offers one free night in Abu Dhabi.

Was this a one of special some time ago or from a agent site? I cant find anything for May with Etihad under 100,000THB in Business for second week May return early June!

Felt

2 hours ago, Felt 35 said:

Was this a one of special some time ago or from a agent site? I cant find anything for May with Etihad under 100,000THB in Business for second week May return early June!

Felt


Direct on their site, and I just booked it this week.

Looking now for out second week May, back early June it's still 70k THB to Manchester. However to LHR it is more expensive - 96k (or 88k if you get Business Value, but that has no lounge and no free seat selection). Just checked LGW and also can't find lower than 88k for Business Value / 96k Business Comfort. It's a London thing. The real value is Manchester. But even so 88k is pretty decent.

Manchester is 62k if you want Business Value but that doesn't give lounge access or free seat selection.

Screenshot 2026-04-24 at 10.57.41.png

Screenshot 2026-04-24 at 10.52.13.png

8 hours ago, josephbloggs said:


Direct on their site, and I just booked it this week.

Looking now for out second week May, back early June it's still 70k THB to Manchester. However to LHR it is more expensive - 96k (or 88k if you get Business Value, but that has no lounge and no free seat selection). Just checked LGW and also can't find lower than 88k for Business Value / 96k Business Comfort. It's a London thing. The real value is Manchester. But even so 88k is pretty decent.

Manchester is 62k if you want Business Value but that doesn't give lounge access or free seat selection.

Screenshot 2026-04-24 at 10.57.41.png

Screenshot 2026-04-24 at 10.52.13.png

I also found 88K. However not bad for business but a few thousand more and I get a business ticket on Emirates which I prefer.

Felt

1 hour ago, Felt 35 said:

I also found 88K. However not bad for business but a few thousand more and I get a business ticket on Emirates which I prefer.

Felt


I also prefer Emirates and have better status there. But I can't find cheaper than around 143k. So happy to slum it in Etihad this time.

However Emirates does still have crappy old 2-3-2 business on most of their 777s. You need to make sure you're on the A380 (which I love!)

On 4/20/2026 at 9:13 AM, NanLaew said:

Before the usual THAI bashers chime in with their 'awful' experiences from last millennium, the list of national carriers, especially those in the far east and Australasia, cutting back on services started early last month. Air New Zealand was one of the first to give advance warning of disruptions. Notably, several regional LCC's have announced schedule changes and route suspensions, including AirAsia and Batik.

THAI were due to start non-stop BKK-AMS in July, but that will probably be delayed or axed before that happens.

THAI has done a LOT of marketing surrounding Amsterdam. They will start that service...they're certainly not going to axe it.

18 hours ago, highrider said:

THAI has done a LOT of marketing surrounding Amsterdam. They will start that service...they're certainly not going to axe it.

I said delayed OR axed.

Anyway, I just rechecked ita matrix and they're listed again. Good prices too.

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