Thailand’s Airports Mobilise for New Year Travel Surge with Added Flights and Passenger Services
Civil Aviation Authority and airport operators expand capacity and special flights as passenger numbers climb ahead of New Year 2026
Thailand’s major airports are preparing for a sharp increase in passenger traffic over the New Year period, with government agencies and aviation authorities implementing measures to ensure smooth travel amid strong demand.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported that air travel throughout December has risen steadily, reflecting heightened demand for year-end trips and holiday travel, and is coordinating with airlines and airports to manage the surge effectively.
To accommodate the increased travel volume, CAAT and related aviation bodies have arranged 66 special flights, adding more than eleven thousand seats on key domestic and regional routes connecting Bangkok with destinations including Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Trang and Samui.
The additional flights aim to ease congestion and offer more options for travellers returning home or heading to popular holiday destinations.
Passenger traffic numbers have climbed significantly compared with earlier months, with daily passenger throughput approaching levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Don Mueang Airport has recorded substantial daily figures, followed closely by Suvarnabhumi Airport and other regional hubs, indicating robust demand across both domestic and international travel sectors.
In response to the surge, airlines have also introduced fare-reduction measures on numerous routes to make travel more accessible during the high-demand period.
Authorities emphasised continued collaboration among CAAT, Airports of Thailand and airlines to maintain service quality, manage ticket pricing and uphold international safety standards.
Airport operators have expanded passenger facilitation services, including increased staffing, technology-enhanced check-in and security processes, and extended operating hours in some locations to reduce wait times and improve traveller experiences.
These preparations underscore Thailand’s efforts to support seamless travel during one of the busiest holiday seasons, while promoting tourism and mobility throughout the region.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported that air travel throughout December has risen steadily, reflecting heightened demand for year-end trips and holiday travel, and is coordinating with airlines and airports to manage the surge effectively.
To accommodate the increased travel volume, CAAT and related aviation bodies have arranged 66 special flights, adding more than eleven thousand seats on key domestic and regional routes connecting Bangkok with destinations including Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Trang and Samui.
The additional flights aim to ease congestion and offer more options for travellers returning home or heading to popular holiday destinations.
Passenger traffic numbers have climbed significantly compared with earlier months, with daily passenger throughput approaching levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Don Mueang Airport has recorded substantial daily figures, followed closely by Suvarnabhumi Airport and other regional hubs, indicating robust demand across both domestic and international travel sectors.
In response to the surge, airlines have also introduced fare-reduction measures on numerous routes to make travel more accessible during the high-demand period.
Authorities emphasised continued collaboration among CAAT, Airports of Thailand and airlines to maintain service quality, manage ticket pricing and uphold international safety standards.
Airport operators have expanded passenger facilitation services, including increased staffing, technology-enhanced check-in and security processes, and extended operating hours in some locations to reduce wait times and improve traveller experiences.
These preparations underscore Thailand’s efforts to support seamless travel during one of the busiest holiday seasons, while promoting tourism and mobility throughout the region.
