Thailand to Boost Regional Airport Routes

Thailand’s Transport Ministry is offering incentives to airlines to launch new domestic and international routes to airports in secondary cities in a bid to boost tourism and strengthen local economies. The measures include service fee reductions for new routes and a temporary 50% discount on aircraft parking charges at airports managed by the Department of Airports (DOA).

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Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said discussions had been held with the Airlines Association of Thailand to encourage more flights to regional airports, particularly in the North, Northeast and South. He said many of these airports already have the capacity to handle additional flights and passengers.

The policy forms part of wider efforts to stimulate tourism in secondary cities and improve access to regional destinations. Authorities believe the incentives will lower operating costs for airlines while providing travellers with more direct route options and supporting regional grassroots economies through increased visitor spending.

Phattrapong urged airlines to consider opening both domestic and international services, including scheduled and charter flights, to major and secondary-city destinations. He said the move would create more travel choices for passengers while stimulating the aviation sector.

Danai Ruangsorn, Director-General of the DOA, said earlier measures introduced in 2025 had already encouraged airlines to expand services. Thai Lion Air launched the Don Mueang to Nakhon Phanom route, while Thai Vietjet Air opened the Suvarnabhumi to Nakhon Si Thammarat route.

Thai AirAsia also added services from Suvarnabhumi to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport, Buri Ram and Narathiwat, among other destinations. The DOA is now considering extending these incentives and introducing additional measures to support international routes.

Authorities have also introduced support measures to reduce cost pressures on airlines linked to the conflict in the Middle East. From June 1 to November 30, airlines flying to and parking at DOA airports will receive a 50% discount on aircraft parking charges for six months.

Talks have also been held with EZY Airline regarding plans to operate flights using 12-seat Cessna Caravan aircraft in 2026. Proposed services include the Suvarnabhumi to Hua Hin route beginning in June 2026, followed by Chiang Mai to Pai, Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok routes in July 2026.

The Nation reported that at the same time, discussions were held with LTU ASIA Aviation Services, the representative of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), over a planned Copenhagen to Krabi service. The airline is preparing to operate up to two flights per week during the Northern Winter Schedule 2026/27, with services expected to begin from December 9 onwards.

Pictures courtesy of The Nation

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 25 May 2026

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