Thailand is making significant strides to enhance its international aviation network by establishing new alliances with Vietnam Airlines and flydubai, and by upgrading regional airport systems. These efforts aim to bolster connectivity and support the nation’s booming tourism industry.
Vietnam Airlines inaugurated a new service on July 2, offering four weekly flights on the Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket route. With an annual capacity of approximately 39,500 seats, this new connection is designed to cater to the increasing travel demand from Vietnamese travelers. In the first half of the year alone, over 300,000 visitors from Vietnam made their way to Thailand, highlighting the importance of this new route.
In a further boost to Thailand’s international connectivity, flydubai commenced daily flights between Dubai and Bangkok on July 1. This service will be expanded to twice daily starting September 15, significantly enhancing travel options between the United Arab Emirates and Thailand and fostering greater regional ties.
In addition to these airline partnerships, Thailand is focusing on improving its regional airport infrastructure. The introduction of the Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) is planned to enhance air traffic management and operational efficiency, particularly benefiting access to secondary cities. The AFIS system is slated for deployment at Phrae and Phetchabun airports by 2028, with potential for expansion to other regional airports.