New ASEAN flight routes to begin in the second half of this year

New ASEAN flight routes to begin in the second half of this year

Jettana Pantana

BANGKOK, 10 June 2016 (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that four new flights to ASEAN destinations will begin in the second half of this year.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn disclosed the agency's successful negotiations with three Thai airlines in opening new routes to ASEAN countries. Bangkok Airways will unveil a Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang route and a Chiang Mai - Vientiane route, with seven flights per week starting October 1.

Nok Air will unveil a Bangkok - Mandalay route with three flights per week. The airline will begin offering the route some time between October and November. Finally, AirAsia will unveil a Bangkok - Vientiane route, with seven flights per week starting July 1.

Mr Yuthasak also let on that the TAT is in talks for additional routes that are currently pending feasibility studies. These include a Chiang Mai - Bagan route by Bangkok Airways, a Trat - Phnom Penh by AirAsia, and routes from Thailand to Luang Prabang and Siem Reap by Nok Air. There have been concerns regarding the capabilities of arrival airports to accommodate international flights and international regulations.

-- NNT 2016-06-11