The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has coordinated with six airlines to increase domestic flight capacity and reduce fares by up to 30% ahead of the Songkran holiday travel peak.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)has launched a coordinated initiative with major domestic airlines to increase flight capacity and reduce fares ahead of the Songkran holiday, one of Thailand’s busiest travel periods.
The aviation regulator confirmed that six Thai carriers will introduce additional flights and discounted fares to support domestic mobility during the traditional Thai New Year celebrations. The initiative aims to facilitate travel between Bangkok and major tourism destinations across the country while ensuring ticket prices remain affordable during peak demand.
CAAT coordinates airlines to increase Songkran capacity
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, the coordinated programme involves Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet.
Between 10 and 15 April, the airlines will add 191 round-trip flights, increasing domestic seat capacity by 29,685 seats across 11 key domestic routes.
The expanded schedule primarily connects Bangkok with high-demand leisure and regional destinations, including Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai and Koh Samui.
Bangkok Airways will add 24 special flights to Koh Samui, creating approximately 1,680 additional seats for travellers during the Songkran period.
Thai Airways will also increase capacity by deploying wide-body aircraft on selected domestic routes, allowing the airline to accommodate approximately 1,428 additional passengers.
Airfare reductions of up to 30%
In addition to the capacity increase, the airlines have agreed to reduce ticket prices by between 15% and 30% on selected domestic routes.
The regulator noted that the measure is designed to support domestic travel demand during the festival period while maintaining fair pricing conditions for passengers.
ACM Manat Chuanprayoonsuk, Director-General of the CAAT, stated that the authority continues to closely monitor ticket pricing and airline operating costs.
The aviation sector is currently facing rising operational expenses, particularly due to higher jet fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Global aviation pressures affecting travel costs
The regulator noted that recent regional conflicts have contributed to volatility in fuel prices and disruptions in certain international air corridors.
Flights relying on transit routes through the Middle East have been affected in some cases, requiring airlines to adjust flight paths or schedules.
However, direct flights between Thailand and Europe continue to operate, although some airlines have implemented alternative routing strategies to avoid affected airspace.
For travellers seeking lower fares on long-haul routes, the CAAT noted that transit options via hubs in China may offer additional alternatives, though these itineraries may involve longer travel times.
Authorities advise early booking
Despite the additional flights and discounted fares, authorities warn that demand during the Songkran period remains extremely strong.
Passengers are advised to book tickets early to secure available promotional fares, which are expected to sell out quickly as travel demand increases.
The CAAT also encourages travellers to regularly monitor flight schedules, particularly those with connecting flights that may involve international transit hubs.
Passengers who encounter pricing irregularities or issues related to passenger rights can submit complaints through the CAAT’s official online portal.
The regulator confirmed that it will continue monitoring airfare levels throughout the Songkran travel period to ensure fair pricing for both domestic travellers and international visitors.