Thailand is enhancing its international aviation network by forging new alliances with Vietnam Airlines and flydubai. These collaborations come alongside efforts to upgrade regional airport systems, aiming to bolster connectivity and support the nation’s tourism sector.
Vietnam Airlines has introduced a new route connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket, which commenced on July 2. This service operates four times a week, offering an annual capacity of approximately 39,500 seats. The new route is designed to cater to the growing travel demand from Vietnam, which saw over 300,000 visitors to Thailand in the first half of the year.
Meanwhile, flydubai has launched daily flights between Dubai and Bangkok as of July 1. In response to increasing demand, the airline plans to double this service to twice daily starting September 15, further strengthening the air connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and Thailand.
In addition to expanding international routes, Thailand is set to implement the Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) at its regional airports. This initiative aims to enhance air traffic management and operational efficiency while improving access to secondary cities. The AFIS system is scheduled for deployment at Phrae and Phetchabun airports by 2028, with potential plans to extend the service to other regional airports in the future.