Kunming-Udon Thani direct flights start 8 September

Lucky Air will begin direct charter flights between Kunming and Udon Thani on 8 September 2026, operating twice a week until 22 October. The route is intended to bring more Chinese visitors directly to Thailand's upper northeast.

The flights will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays using Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 189 seats, according to Lalida Periswattanapong, deputy government spokeswoman.

Flight times and operating dates

Lucky Air's inbound flight 8L867 will leave Kunming at 4.50pm and arrive in Udon Thani at 5.50pm. The return flight, 8L868, will depart Udon Thani at 6.50pm and land in Kunming at 9.50pm.

The airline will operate the route from 8 September to 22 October 2026. The schedule may change under Lucky Air's operational plans.

Lalida said the direct service would improve access between China and the upper northeast, helping distribute tourism revenue to hotels, restaurants, transport providers and other local businesses.

The government is promoting regional airports as international gateways for travel, tourism and economic activity. Deputy Transport Minister Pattrapong Pattraprasit has pushed airport development under the Airport for Regional Development approach, aimed at improving safety standards and air links to support tourism, trade and investment.

Airport prepares for international passengers

Udon Thani Airport is due to receive its Public Aerodrome Operating Certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand on 2 September 2026.

If completed as planned, it will become the sixth airport under the Department of Airports to receive the certification, following Betong, Buriram, Surat Thani, Phitsanulok and Krabi airports.

The Transport Ministry and Department of Airports are coordinating with Immigration, Customs and public transport providers to prepare for international arrivals and onward connections from the airport. This will be particularly relevant to foreign residents and visitors using the new route, as international passengers will need the usual border, immigration and customs processing on arrival and departure.

Lucky Air will receive a 50% reduction in aircraft landing and parking charges for one year under the Department of Airports' 2026 domestic and international route-development incentive scheme. The measure is designed to encourage airlines to open new services linking regional Thai airports with overseas destinations.

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30 August 2026

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