Thailand Grounds Nok Air’s International Flights Over Safety Compliance
Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand suspends Nok Air’s international operations and route expansion following safety review ahead of ICAO audit
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has suspended Nok Air from operating international routes and imposed a ban on the airline’s route expansion after identifying safety compliance issues.
The decision was announced by Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director-General of CAAT, as part of Thailand’s preparations for an upcoming audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), scheduled from 27 August to 8 September 2025.
Manat explained that Nok Air must suspend all international flights and halt both domestic and international route expansion until deficiencies are resolved.
CAAT’s review found significant safety concerns between 2023 and 2025, including multiple incidents such as engine in-flight shutdowns, runway excursions, hard landings, and tail strikes.
The recurring engine shutdowns are of particular concern, with investigations still underway to determine their root cause.
In addition to technical issues, CAAT highlighted operational and personnel-related challenges.
A wave of resignations among pilots, flight instructors, and inspectors raised concerns over safety culture, morale, and workforce stability.
The regulator noted that insufficiently experienced personnel could increase risks in flight operations.
Nok Air has been instructed to address these deficiencies within one week before the suspension can be lifted.
Wutthiphum Jurangkool, Chief Executive Officer of Nok Air, confirmed that the airline has not operated international routes since June 2025 but continues to run domestic services under CAAT’s oversight.
He emphasized that Nok Air strictly follows maintenance manuals approved by CAAT, adheres to international standards, and is audited under the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).
The airline also works closely with Boeing and other agencies to maintain high safety standards.
On staffing, Wutthiphum reassured that Nok Air retains a qualified workforce despite regional competition and continues to provide training aligned with CAAT and ICAO standards.
He expressed the airline’s commitment to maintaining full compliance, enhancing operational safety, and ensuring passengers’ confidence.
Domestic services, he added, remain fully operational, scheduled as normal, and in compliance with both Thai and international aviation safety requirements.
The decision was announced by Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director-General of CAAT, as part of Thailand’s preparations for an upcoming audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), scheduled from 27 August to 8 September 2025.
Manat explained that Nok Air must suspend all international flights and halt both domestic and international route expansion until deficiencies are resolved.
CAAT’s review found significant safety concerns between 2023 and 2025, including multiple incidents such as engine in-flight shutdowns, runway excursions, hard landings, and tail strikes.
The recurring engine shutdowns are of particular concern, with investigations still underway to determine their root cause.
In addition to technical issues, CAAT highlighted operational and personnel-related challenges.
A wave of resignations among pilots, flight instructors, and inspectors raised concerns over safety culture, morale, and workforce stability.
The regulator noted that insufficiently experienced personnel could increase risks in flight operations.
Nok Air has been instructed to address these deficiencies within one week before the suspension can be lifted.
Wutthiphum Jurangkool, Chief Executive Officer of Nok Air, confirmed that the airline has not operated international routes since June 2025 but continues to run domestic services under CAAT’s oversight.
He emphasized that Nok Air strictly follows maintenance manuals approved by CAAT, adheres to international standards, and is audited under the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).
The airline also works closely with Boeing and other agencies to maintain high safety standards.
On staffing, Wutthiphum reassured that Nok Air retains a qualified workforce despite regional competition and continues to provide training aligned with CAAT and ICAO standards.
He expressed the airline’s commitment to maintaining full compliance, enhancing operational safety, and ensuring passengers’ confidence.
Domestic services, he added, remain fully operational, scheduled as normal, and in compliance with both Thai and international aviation safety requirements.
