Thai airlines seek approval for more domestic flights as fares soar
Six Thai airlines are seeking regulatory approval to increase the number of domestic flights during peak travel periods in response to public outrage over rising ticket prices.
The airlines—Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, and Thai Vietjet—met with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to discuss fare reduction strategies after social media criticism regarding high airfares, with one-way journeys like Bangkok to Phuket reaching 10,000 baht.
The session, convened by Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, saw the CAAT press airlines for justification of the steep prices during holidays. Suriya announced plans for both immediate and future actions to reduce airfares.
In the short term, airlines proposed scheduling more flights, particularly during mornings and evenings, to offer lower-priced tickets. The plan requires coordination with various aviation authorities and is set to be reviewed by the CAAT on February 28.
For the long haul, the CAAT plans to work with the airlines to reassess and adjust the maximum limit on domestic airfares. A new cap is expected to be established swiftly, since airlines require a year's notice to revamp their pricing systems.
The session, convened by Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, saw the CAAT press airlines for justification of the steep prices during holidays. Suriya announced plans for both immediate and future actions to reduce airfares.
In the short term, airlines proposed scheduling more flights, particularly during mornings and evenings, to offer lower-priced tickets. The plan requires coordination with various aviation authorities and is set to be reviewed by the CAAT on February 28.
For the long haul, the CAAT plans to work with the airlines to reassess and adjust the maximum limit on domestic airfares. A new cap is expected to be established swiftly, since airlines require a year's notice to revamp their pricing systems.
