In a bid to bolster its international aviation network, Thailand is forging new partnerships with Vietnam Airlines and flydubai, while also upgrading its regional airport systems. These efforts aim to enhance connectivity and support the country’s vital tourism sector.
Vietnam Airlines recently launched a new route connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket, which began operations on July 2. This service, featuring four weekly flights, offers an annual capacity of approximately 39,500 seats. The new route is designed to cater to the increasing travel demand from Vietnam, a country that sent over 300,000 visitors to Thailand in the first half of the year.
Meanwhile, flydubai has initiated daily flights between Dubai and Bangkok as of July 1. The airline plans to further expand this service to twice daily starting September 15, thereby strengthening the connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and Thailand.
In addition to these new airline partnerships, Thailand is planning to introduce the Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) at its regional airports. This initiative aims to enhance air traffic management, operational efficiency, and improve access to secondary cities. The AFIS system is slated to be implemented first at Phrae and Phetchabun airports by 2028, with potential expansion to other regional airports being considered for the future.