February 23, 2010

 

All in Fare from THB 399!
AirAsia turn up trumps again with their 'Asia on Sale' and a range of sizzling hot fares.

This is as good a time as ever to plan your mid-year vacations with your family and friends! Irresistible destinations coupled with sizzling hot SALE fares, you'll be able to hit Asian hot spots in June, July, August or September for a well-deserved and action-packed vacation.

They're even throwing in some Australian destinations. Don't wait until the last minute! Start planning now for the best flight and room deals. Book and fly from June! Book from 22-28 Feb on their website. Fares from Bangkok to Phuket and Chiang Mai advertised at THB 699.

One-Two-Go has a promotion to Trang
Buy a roundtrip ticket and get a THB 500 discount. Fares start from THB 1,950 and starts 22 Feb. Or buy a roundtrip ticket and get one free (one way).

Booking and travelling from 31 May.

February 02, 2010

 

AirAsia Promotions
Check out AirAsia’s latest promotion ‘Big on Love’ where you can fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Medan at the all-in-fare of THB 990, or Ho Chi Minh City for THB 1,490. Book from 1-16 Feb and travel period is 22 Feb to 31 May 2010.

They also have specials to Singapore, from Phuket at THB 1,918/Bangkok to Singapore at THB 2,380 or Kula Lumpar at THB 2456.

AirAsia Rocks India introduces 6 new direct flights to India, including Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore. Fares from THB 2,086. Book from 1 -7.

 

Thai Team leaves for Haiti
The Thai Advance Team, made up of French and Spanish speaking experts, medical doctors and army engineers, has left for Haiti to provide humanitarian assistance.

The Thai Advance Team comprised of two representatives each from the ministries of foreign affairs, defense, and public health, departed Bangkok last Friday for Mexico City to join with the minister councellor and local staff at the Thai embassy there.

The group will then carry on to Haiti to carry out their mission including meeting and helping Thai nationals in Haiti, coordinating with the Mexican government on delivering Thailand’s contribution amounting to US$100,000, some of which was already used to procure urgent medical supplies and necessities to assist the Haitians.

They will coordinate and supervise the arrival of the first shipment of 100 tonnes of Thai rice on the morning of February 2 at Port-au-Prince airport.

 

Airport Rail Link
The 28-kilometre Airport Rail Link connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport with Bangkok city centre is set to be fully operational mid-2010, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has stated.

The premier and his Cabinet also witnessed a test of the baggage check-in system at Makkasan Station in downtown Bangkok as well as ticketing from an automatic ticket-selling machine before boarding an Express Service train to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The 28-km rail link connects Suvarnabhumi Airport in adjacent Samut Prakan province and the City Air Terminal (CAT) in Bangkok’s Makkasan area, where passengers will be able to check in their baggage.

Both services of the Express Service and the City Line will be operated on the same tracks at speeds of up to 160km per hour. The Express Service is a 15-minute non-stop journey between the CAT and the airport with a fare at Bt150 per trip.

At Makkasan Station, 28 check-in counters will be in service, with four counters reserved for large baggage. The baggage transfer system will be capable of taking up to 300 pieces per hour.

City Line commuter trips, with fares at Bt15-45, will take 30 minutes to reach the airport, departing from Phaya Thai, Ratchaprarop, Makkasan, Asoke, Ramkhamhaeng, Hua Mak, Ban Thap Chang, and Lat Krabang stations, and will end at the last stop of Suvarnabhumi.

17th December 2009

Phuket International Airport’s 6 billion baht expansion plan has received the go-aheadfrom the government. The new facility will enable the airport to handle 12.5 million passengers per year up to year 2018, from the present 6.5 million per year. There will be extra parking aprons, and increased size of the domestic and international terminals to handle increased traffic. The upgraded airport will improve the resort island of Phuket’s position as an aviation hub in the region. Phuket has been granted a budget of around 10 billion baht under the government’s stimulus package; called ‘Thailand: investing from strength to strength 2012’ program.

Malaysia’s AirAsia and Qantas Airways-owned Jetstar, 2 of Asia’s major low-cost airlines, are in talks to form a joint venture, a sure sign that budget carriers are under pressure to drive costs even lower. Both budget airlines have grown rapidly and now fly routes across Southeast Asia and Australia, some of the destination they serve are the same, such as Cambodia’s Siem Reap and Australia’s Gold Coast. Qantas, seeking regional alliances to exploit Australia’s growing ties with Asia, said a joint venture would entail cutting costs. Airlines worldwide have been grappling with falling demand, higher funding costs and volatile fuel prices.

Thai Airways hands over 3 unprofitable local routes to Nok - Thai Airways International (THAI) has made the decision to hand over 3 of its loss-making domestic routes to its budget affiliate Nok Air starting from March 1. Nok Air will assume the services from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, Ubon Ratchathani and Mae Hong Son as part of a rationalisation that also underscores a new chapter of co-operation between the once-feuding affiliates.

AirAsia has launched flights between Kochi in India and Kuala Lumpur the capital of Malaysia. Kochi is one of the airline’s latest Indian destinations which includes Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). AirAsia is the only airline from Kuala Lumpur which is servicing Kochi with direct daily flights.
With the commencement of this direct service to Kuala Lumpur, the people of Kerala and India can now use Kochi as a gateway to our extensive route network to ASEAN and further. They are also looking into expanding route network in India and opening-up the market. Amongst the destinations are Chennai, Hyderabad, Banglore and Mumbai.

 

1st December 2009

Nok Air will open three new routes linking Bangkok and the northeastern provinces of Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Buri Ram, beginning December 3. Buy 1, get 1 free promotion starts from THB 2,490.

Thai AirAsia will also launch its direct daily flight between HCMC and Phuket of Thailand from December 3 in an effort to deepen its presence in Vietnam.

Thai Airways International (THAI) has resumed flights from Phuket to Hong Kong this month.

Direct flight Boeing 777 from V Australia will depart from Brisbane every Sunday, start this 3 December while Pacific Blue will fly to Phuket twice a week, started 14 November.

One-Two-Go’s latest promotions include flights to Phuket, one-way fare starting at THB 1,250.

AirAsia’s new promotion is for THB 990 to Chiang Mai, Ho Chi Minh City and Medan. New route - Phuket to Udon Thani is from THB 690.

10th October 2009

AirAsia Febulous deals – check out AirAsia as they have a new offer booking from today until 22 November, so you will have to be quick. Chiang Mai is advertised at THB 990 and Phuket to Ho Chi Minh City at THB 990. There are other options and travel is in Feb, March and April.

Malaysia’s long-haul budget airline AirAsia X, which started operations to Tiruchi last year, on Thursday began daily direct flights to Kochi, while two more Indian destinations will be added next week. The carrier, an affiliate of AirAsia, will start flying to Thiruvananthapuram and Kolkata from next week.

PB Air - Please note that PB Air has suspended all their flights until further notice.

 

10th October 2009

AirAsia Mega Sale
Starting 11th November AirAsia has another huge sale starting. Starting at 3am, November 11 the booking period is from 11 Nov 2009 - 15 Nov 2009 and travel from 1 May – 30 Oct 2010.

Check their website for further routes and details.

The low cost carrier has also announced a new daily flight between Ho Chi Minh City and the Thai beach destination of Phuket, the airline’s first direct flight between the two destinations. The new route includes a mix of leisure seekers and business travelers. Flights are scheduled 4 times a week.

Cheap flights between Bangkok and Scandinavia

There’s not a better time than now if you want a cheap ticket to Bangkok from Scandinavia. Scandinavian Airlines has reduced ticket prices with economy class prices now 20% lower than before. The airline has also taken the welcome initiative to include all taxes and surcharges in its quoted ticket prices. The new policy came into effect 9 November 2009.

With SAS all-inclusive pricing, travellers now see the total cost – no extra hidden fees, no plus-plus. Inclusive round-trip economy class flights from Bangkok to Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark now start at 38,000 baht compared to 49,500 baht before 9 November 2009.

SAS flights to Scandinavia in Economy Extra seats with extra space, on-demand audio-visual screen, business class check-ins and 150% EuroBonus points start from 65,100 baht. Business Class flights start at 106,400 baht. They include a sleeper seat with video-audio on demand, lounge access, priority boarding and 200% EuroBonus points.

All SAS flights to and from Bangkok are night flights.

Dubai-based airline Emirates, starting December 2009, is to introduce a fourth daily service to Bangkok, a third daily service to Sydney, two additional flights to Manila and one additional service to Jakarta.

The flights will support Thailand’s economic recovery by boosting tourist arrivals from Dubai and the larger Middle East – a region the Tourism Authority of Thailand has consistently targeted through multi-million dollar programs including the recent ‘Jump to Amazing Thailand’ campaign. The extension of visa fees exemption for Thailand until March 2010 is expected to generate more tourist traffic which will be served by Emirates’ additional flights.

The first non-stop flight from Berlin to Phuket has commenced this week. A giant leap forward for Air Berlin, they are offering our customers more direct flights and more destinations in Thailand and Thai passengers have the option of a second direct flight to the capital city of Germany.

In winter Air Berlin operates one non-stop flight a week from Berlin to Phuket and three non-stop flights a week from the German capital to Bangkok. There are feeder flights from various German and European cities. With a total of 13 non-stop flights from Berlin, Dusseldorf and Munich to Phuket and Bangkok, Air Berlin is the major provider of flights to Thailand from Germany.

October 31, 2009

One-Two-Go’s latest promotion is to all domestic routes with prices from THB 1,000, all inclusive. There are 300 seats a day available and travel is from now until 30 November. This promotion discount fare can be reserved and purchased via One Two Go’s ticket counter, Call Center 1126 and www.fly12go.com.

‘Phuket Early Bird & Late Night Flights’ with Bangkok Air is valid for booking made on www.bangkokair.com only. Bookings are from 7 October to 15 November 2009 and the travel period is 28 October to 15 December 2009. Bangkok to Phuket and vise versa is THB 1,390 one way and returns at 2,780 on daily flights.

Nok Air has a Smile Package promotion travelling from Saturday to Monday within November. Starting at THB 4,888 it includes a roundtrip ticket to Chiang Mai plus 2 night’s accommodation with breakfast.

Check out the superdeals with Thai Airlines, they have roundtrip fares to London for THB 17,000 and Sydney one way at AUD 339.
With the high season for tourism almost here, Thai Airways International has already begun direct flights between Phuket and Hong Kong three times weekly. An Airbus 330-300 leaves Phuket at 1:15pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and return flights leave Hong Kong at 8am on the same days.

Thai AirAsia is also preparing to launch direct flights between the same cities ‘soon’ as part of its plan to establish Phuket as a second regional air hub for Thailand. They also plans to operate a direct flight service between Phuket and Chiang Mai starting in December.

New carrier Happy Air will launch its Phuket to Haad Yai route on October 31, following on November 1 with flights to Langkawi in Malaysia. The daily flights will depart Phuket at 8am, with the return trip leaving Hat Yai International Airport at 4pm. The Langkawi flights will depart Phuket at 1pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and return at noon the following day, local time.

The carrier will fly the aircraft on a 'triangle route', with each leg priced as follows: Phuket-Haad Yai-Phuket: 2,300 baht one way, Phuket-Langkawi-Phuket: 3,500 baht one-way, Haad Yai-Langkawi-Haad Yai: 2,100 baht one way. Expat residents needing to go on ‘visa runs’ to comply with immigration rules will be able to take advantage of the new services.

October 27, 2009

Finnair - have announced a new Phuket to Stuttgart route to operate three times weekly using their own airbus.

The current Bangkok to Stuttgart route is planned to have another daily flight. Great news for the Finns!

October 24, 2009

Thai Airways - Thai Airways is set to start flying direct non-stop from Brisbane to Bangkok return on October 27, after the existing Sydney stopover is dropped from the service. Direct services such as these make it easier for Queenslanders wishing to travel overseas, and it also encourages overseas travellers to visit the sunshine state in Australia. V Australia will also start new services to Phuket in November, reflecting the strength of the outbound market and impact of the strong Australian dollar and current exchange rate.

Happy Air

Happy Air is to launch the first flight from Phuket International Airport to Hat Yai International Airport on Monday, October 26, 2009.

The route is between Phuket – Hat Yai – Phuket with Aircraft SAAB 340 A and 34 seats capacity. Happy Air Travellers is a new regional Airline based in Phuket Island, Thailand. The airline offers daily flights from Phuket Island to Hat Yai and four flights a week from Phuket Island to Langkawi Island with premium service on board.
The target groups focus on businessmen, professors who work in the university, which is an existing group.

The ticket price is 2,300 baht per trip. The airline is 100% investment by Thais, using Sweden’s aircraft and providing food and drinks with lounges at Phuket International Airport.

Jetstar Airways

Low-cost Australian airline, Jetstar Airways, will increase frequency on its Sydney to Phuket sector to five times weekly commencing mid-December.
Timed to coincide with the prime Australian Christmas school holiday period, the two extra weekly flights will operate between December 15 and January 29, 2010.
The additional flights will provide capacity for an additional 1,200 passengers per week and be operated by the airlines seventh Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
The additional flights from Sydney follow an earlier announcement by sister airline Jetstar Asia to commence twice daily services from Singapore to Phuket, also commencing on December 15. These new flights will provide capacity for 6,200 passengers per week.

Thailand’s position as the second most popular destination for Australian leisure travelers has lead to the increase in services.

Nok Air

Nok Air are set to introduce their first flight from Bangkok to Surat Thani on the 25th October. Two flights a day, departing at 07.00 and 18.50.

Air Asia

You might still be able to snap up Air Asia’s last minute deals if you are very quick.  They include incredible fares to India, China, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia and Australia and domestic Thai fares.

16 October 2009

One-Two-Go 
One-Two-Go has a sale on Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Bangkok to Chiang Rai routes available at THB 1,250, (all inclusive). Booking period is from today until 23 October and traveling from 26 October 2009 – 30 November 2009. This promotion discount fare can be reserved and purchased via One Two Go’s ticket counter, Call Center 1126 and www.fly12go.com

Bangkok Airways
From October 25, 2009, flights between Bangkok and Phuket will be increased to 5 times daily for added convenience. A one-way fare on this flight will cost 1,250 baht inclusive of airport taxes, insurance and fuel surcharges. Don’t miss out, this offer’s only available until November 7!

If you are a member of the flyerbonus scheme for Bangkok Airways then you’ll be pleased to hear this month they have an offer in connection with Langham Hotels International. From November 1, 2009 FlyerBonus members will be able to accrue points when staying at any Langham-affiliated hotel around the world.

Thinking of renting a car? Hertz Thailand offers FlyerBonus Members special exclusive rates starting from 900 Baht/day with opportunities on offer to earn DOUBLE FlyerBonus points. See Bangkok Airways for more information.

Thai Air Asia
Thai AirAsia is planning to initiate new routes linking the island of Phuket directly with major Asian cities as it acts aggressively to create a second hub at the resort destination.

The low budget carrier aims to offer flights from Phuket to Bali, Surabaya, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Manila with year-round non-stop service after the initial links open in mid-November.

The airline is preparing to start Phuket-Hong Kong and Phuket-Jakarta daily flights on November 15, which will be followed by connections from Phuket to Chiang Mai, Ho Chi Minh City and Medan in Indonesia in December.

Discounts on key routes from Phuket offered by Air Asia include one way to Hong Kong 1499 baht, one way to Bangkok 599 baht and one way to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, 999 baht. (Fares are inclusive).

The airline is also considering adding a third hub in Thailand at the country’s northern cultural capital of Chiang Mai.

Thai Airways International
Thai Airways International is to launch flights between the popular holiday destination of Phuket in southern Thailand, and the city of Hong Kong from 25 October 2009 onwards.

The new route Phuket – Hong Kong will operate 3 times per week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, utilizing Airbus 330-300 aircraft with a seat capacity of 305 seats (42 on Royal Silk Class and 263 on Economy Class).

Flights leave Phuket at 13:15 and arrive in Hong Kong at 17:45. The return leg then departs from Hong Kong, at 08:00 to arrive in Phuket by 10:20.

The Thailand carrier is also to introduce first-class services on its three times daily Sydney-Bangkok flights and effective 25 October will add direct Brisbane-Bangkok services five times a week, replacing its existing services Sydney-Brisbane-Bangkok.

Effective 01 December the carrier will increase its Bangkok-Los Angeles flights from five to seven services a week, while Bangkok-Moscow flights will be increased from three to four flights a week from 25 October.

 

10 October 2009

Thai Airways - Thai Airways, the flag carrier of Thailand is set to expand its route network in India next year. Currently operating from Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad; the carrier is eager to commence services from Amritsar and improving frequencies from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Apart from enhancing the route network in India, it is also considering promoting the Golden Triangle route of Thailand which consists of Chiang Saen, Sop Ruak and Mai Sai.

The airline organised ‘Thai Seminar’ recently in Mumbai was to update the travel trade about the latest offerings of the airline and the introduction of 'Royal First Class Service' on Mumbai – Bangkok route effective October 26, 2009 along with an additional service from Mumbai.

 

AirAsia - Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia yesterday confirmed it will soon start a service to Paris after winning the necessary landing rights. The approval will allow the airline to fly to Orly Airport in southern Paris, its second route in Europe after Southeast Asia’s biggest budget carrier began a London service in March.

 

Phuket Airport - There is a development plan currently being discussed regarding transforming Phuket International Airport to increase its ability to welcome more tourists.
For over 20 years Phuket International Airport has welcomed several millions of tourists from around the world to the Andaman coastal resorts of the island and nearby provinces. In response to growing numbers of visitors, public and private agencies involved with the gateway to the Andaman are planning to enlarge the airport for improved facilities and passenger comfort.
Phuket International Airport is Thailand’s second largest airport after Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi, both in handling cargo and by welcoming some 6.5 million tourists yearly, thanks to local hospitality and the region’s world-renowned tourist attractions.
According to AoT, the airport development project is expected to be completed in 2013 and will include building an international passenger terminal for 12.5 million passengers, additional 21 bays, a cargo terminal, a new car park and walkways and right-of-ways for motorised baggage carts inside the airport, while renovation of the current passenger terminal will take place at the initial phase.

 

Bangkok - The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) began its trial run of the airport link railway Wednesday, connecting Makkasan railway station in Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakan province.

A large number of the prospective passengers showed interest in traveling on the test run of the 28.6 kilometre route Wednesday, according to the authorities, but full-scale commercial operation is not expected until April next year.

Most passengers said the airport link railway was convenient, similar to the BTS Sky Train, but the airport link (Express Line) is faster taking only 15 minutes from Makkasan to Suvarnabhumi Airport. They said they will definitely use the airport link service when they travel to the airport.

03 October 2009
Destination Air is back in operation with Thailand's only licensed seaplane charter service. Their Amphibian Sea Planes fly to all Thailand Airports as well as many prestigious island resort locations. They provide charter flights to Phi Phi, Krabi, Trang, Khao Lak and Koh Lanta, along with over a hundred Islands currently only accessible by boat in both the Gulf of Siam and in the Andaman Sea.

Conveniently located at Phuket International Airport they provide a premium tailor-made charter service and a fast, friendly reliable service. If you want to contact Destination Air you can email them at booking@destinationair.com

 

Bangkok Airways is about to lose the domestic flight routes it currently operates within Cambodia. The Cambodian government has decided not to renew its agreement with the Thai airline as Cambodia’s new national carrier, Cambodia Angkor Air (CAA), will be taking over the routes, along with Siem Reap Airways which was grounded by the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) but has recently cleared all relevant safety checks.
Bangkok Airways has been flying four daily flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap since taking over the route last November, and will cease operations when its contract with the Cambodian government comes to an end on October 25, 2009.

 

AirAsia is to fly 3 new routes in Southern India. Asia's leading low cost airline will fly to Kochi, Trivandrum and Kolkata come December in a move to expand its network in Southern India.

AirAsia is already flying a route to Tiruchirappalli and would spread its wings to other destinations in Southern India this year in response to the huge demand.

Last year the airline concentrated setting up routes throughout China and are now extensively covered in China. At present, AirAsia flies to Chengdu, Guangzhou, Guilin, Haikou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Tianjin in China.

AirAsia's market covers the corporate, youth, retired, labour, family and student segments and, because of their low cost model, fares are affordable. Travel dynamics in Asia are changing as more Malaysians are now taking to the air than ever before.

In 2009 AirAsia removed fuel surcharge and administration fees from ticket prices to try and keep flight tickets at affordable prices in an attempt to stimulate travel.

 

September 14th, 2009
Happy Air to Commence Phuket - Hat Yai Flights in October

New Airline Company Happy Airlines are due to Commence daily direct flights from Phuket to Hay Yai in October.

They will also be offering a flight from Phuket to Langkawi Island flight 4 times a week on their Saab 340A aircraft.

Each aircraft can carry 34 passengers and the baggage allowance will be 20kg per person.

To book charter flights, or for more information contact: info@happyairway.com

 

September 10th, 2009
Expansion Plans for Phuket Airport

The owners of Phuket airport have announced major new plans for a $170 million expansion.

Plans include a new international terminal to cater for 6 million passengers a year, changing the layout of the runway, improving the jet fuelling system and renovating the current terminal. This should increase the current capacity from the current 5.7 million passengers a year to 12 million.

Work is scheduled to start at the end of 2010 and completion is due in 2013.

Plans are still in development on Thailand's first VIP private Jet terminal at the airport..

September 5th, 2009
Boost for Puket Flights

Several new direct flights into Phuket have been announced.

Jetstar is adding a second daily flight from Singapore to Phuket which will continue on to Perth. This is due to commence on December 15th and will offer around 7,000 weekly seats. This is in addition to Jetstars currently available flights from Sydney to Phuket.

Pacific Blue will be competing with Jetstar on this route. On November 14th they will start their twice weekly service from Perth to Phuket. Since offering flights to Bali earlier in the year, this will be their second international destination out of Perth.

September 1st, 2009
Nok Air Expands into Surrat Thani

Nok air has further expanded by adding a Surrat Thani to Bangkok (Don Mueang) leg. Initially, a promotional price of 555 Baht is being offered for this route.

Adding this route gets Nok Air further down the path of offering more domestic flights in Thailand so Thais can see more of their beautiful country and can travel, quickly, cheaply and comfortably.

Reservations can be booked in the usual way, on their website, by phone.

Click here for all airlines schedules for Bangkok to Surat Thani, and here for Airlines Booking Information.

August 24th, 2009
AirAsia to Use Phuket as Regional Hub

The low-cost carrier has announced that Thai AirAsia will begin direct flight services to Phuket from several new major cities by the end of the year.

Beginning in November, the company will have 5 new aircraft based at Phuket airport. The destination cities sill include Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong and Jakarta and the first of the flights will commence i November

They expect the new routes to increase their customers by one million this year.

Last year they flew 4.2 million passengers of which 55% of which were Asian nationals.

July 14, 2009
Thailand Airlines Offering Great Deals

The majority of Thai airlines are now competing with each other in a price war. Bangkok Air and Thai Airways are now offering special discounted airfares to compete with the lower cost airlines such as Nok, Air Asia and One Two Go.

June 17, 2009
Survarnabhumi Airport Train Faces Further Delays

The train link between Suvarnabhumi airport and the centre of Bangkok faces further delays as a test run is being postponed from August 12th until December.

The original contract required that the work should be completed by November 2009, but it is now expected that the 28km route will be not be running until March 2010.

The fare for a one way trip will be 150 Baht for a non stop trip and around 40 Baht for trains stopping at every station along the way.

June 16, 2009
Air Asia X Purchases 10 Airbus A350's
In their bid to become the worlds first low cost long haul and short haul carriers, Air Asia X has announced that it has ordered ten new Airbus A350 XWB aircraft..

The order totals around US $2.2 billion and will be configured with 2 classes and 425 seats.

June 12, 2009
Bangkok Airways Announce Summer Deals.
Today Bangkok Airways have announce several new flights and promotions:

• From July 1st Bangkok Airways will launch Fourth daily return flight between Bangkok and Phuket.

- Bangkok - Phuket: PG 273: 13:55 - 15:20
- Phuket - Bangkok: PG 274: 16:10 - 17:35

Bangkok Airways Announce Pre-Reserved Seat Service

Passengers who are traveling on Blue Ribbon Class (Business Class) or the FlyerBonus Premier cardholders, as well as those who purchase full-fare tickets in Economy Class will be able to pre-reserve their seats. This service applies to all international and domestic flights.

Bangkok Airways launches “Beyond Value” promotion

Bangkok Airways recently launched the “Beyond Value” promotion offering free accommodation with their airfares at a price from THB 4,600 for a one-night stay on any domestic route. The prices for international routes start at THB 4,900. The quoted prices are inclusive of tax, insurance, and fuel surcharge. These prices are valid for trips made within July 31st, 2009.

May 11, 2009
Nearly Free Air Asia Seats.
Today Air Asia Launched a new promotion giving passengers access to one million seats on their Malaysia and Thailand networks. Travellers will only need to pay the taxes and surcharges.

Named the ‘You pay the fee, we fly you for FREE!’ promotion, AirAsia will offerer seats from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Penang in Malaysia, as well as Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand.

‘You pay the fee, we fly you for FREE!’ is available for booking online until Friday 15th May, and is available for travel between 5th January and 30th April 2010.

April 15, 2009
Thai Airways to Promote 'ASEAN Fare'.
Thai Airways International has introduced a new Asean Fare promotion to promote tourism in the Southeast Asian region, with ticket prices starting at 13,310 baht .

The campaign is a joint collaboration with Garuda Indonesia, Lao Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Philippine Airlines and Myanmar Airways International.

Valid now until Nov 30, to participate in the promotion passengers must purchase at least three or a maximum of five flight coupons (one coupon for one flight travelled).

April 1st 2009

Thai Airways Move all Flights to Suvarnabhumi
Thai Airways International has announced that it will return all its operations back to Bangkok's modern Suvarnabhumi Airport. As a result, all THAI's domestic and international operations will operate to / from Suvarnabhumi Airport from 29 March 2009.

23 domestic flights are to move from Don Mueang Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport allowing them to streamline operations, enhancing handling efficiency and reducing operating costs. Passengers and cargo shippers will also have will als be less inconvenienced, not only for THAI flights, but also for those of other Star Alliance member airlines operating to and through Bangkok.

Connecting times between domestic and international flights will be one to two hours less than previous minimum connecting time required for passenger transiting through Don Meaung to Suvarnabhumi.

To handle the increased number of passengers, THAI has said it will provide more check in counters for domestic passengers, counter B for premium/business class passengers and counter C for economy class passengers. THAI will also extend its lounge areas at concourse A by 300 square meters.

Customers will also have access to a larger range of improved facilities, including train services between Suvarnabhumi and Bangkok city center which are now scheduled to begin this August.

Once the new high-speed train begins, traveling time will be approximately 15 minutes between airport and city, saving considerable time off the journey, which is currently 25 kilometers in distance by road.

Feb. 20, 2009
Thai Airways see increase in Bookings
Following the Bangkok airports protests, Thai Airways has reported that they have seen an increase in international flights over the last few months. This has partly been due to the improved image that the rest of the world has of Thailand.

In January, Thailand’s international carrier were able to fill 75% of their seats which is a large increase from Decembers figures which felt the after effects of the takeover of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports by the anti-government protestors.
With the country’s political landscape showing signs of improvement and Thai Airways offering various promotions to attract their customers back, helped along by the Tourism Authority of Thailand launching a promotional campaign of the country, have all led to visitors once again returning.
During the protests last Nov-Dec., Thai Airways had to cancel over 1000 scheduled flights as the airports were closed down by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). This is reported to have lost them more than 20 billion baht in actual and potential revenue losses.
As the positive international image of the country grows there is optimism by all airlines that these figures will increase as the approaching Asean Summit in Hua Hin will hopefully increase tourism figures.

20th Feb. 2009
Suvarnabhumi Airport to take back relocated Don Mueang Airport flights
Suvarnabhumi International Airport is now operating close to normal and has stated that it is ready to take back domestic flights that have been operating out of Don Mueang Airport since the airport was closed down last year due to sit-in protests by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Mr. Serirat, the director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, has stated that the flight relocations will commence from March 29 with the national flag carrier, Thai Airways, moving their domestic flights currently operating from Don Mueang Airport back to Suvarnabhumi Airport on that date.

Most airlines are in agreement to relocate their services back to Bangkok’s International Airport, although there are a few who disagree with the government’s decision as they think the airport cannot cope with further flights. However Mr. Serirat reports that Suvarnabhumi Airport is not that congested and able to comfortably support more flights.

In the near future it is planned that all scheduled flights will be relocated to Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airport will serve chartered flights only and eventually become an aviation maintenance centre.

11th February 2009

Thai Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva has said that he is committed to solving the financial troubles of Thai Airways as well as security problems at major Thai airports.

Despite concern from the Ministry of Finance about political interference in the airline’s management, the Prime Minister has already had to take many decisions on ways to help Airports of Thailand and Thai Airways to improve their damaged reputation.

“Thai needs good management, corporate governance and professionalism. It also has the right to tell politicians not to meddle with it,” said Korn Chatikavanij, the Thai Finance Minister

Thai Airways has been asked to develop a business plan. Its preliminary first draft focuses on increasing cash flows and improving asset management and liquidity. The second stage is to boost revenues by improving operational efficiency as well as sprucing up product and service quality. The third stage would then be a complete review of the airline’s organisation.

However, the Minister of Transport has rejected the first draft as “insufficient”.

Security measures have also been adopted for Thailand’s major airports. The new law finally gives AOT the power to enforce law and order at airports in case of disruption by protests.

In another development, the government wants to revert the policy of having two airports in the Bangkok area to alleviate congestion at Suvarnabhumi. The government is now convinced that all international and domestic flights should be accommodated under one roof.

5th February 2009

Since the January downturn, the number of passengers using Suvarnabhumi Airport has returned to a normal level. The acting President of the Airports of Thailand, Mr Serirat Prasutanond said that he was confident that the number of passengers using the airport  would once again be above 100,00 per day.

The numbers preceding the airport closure in December dropped by half but has seen a  steady increase.

Jan 30th 2009

Destination Air, the Phuket based seaplane service which had its license revoked by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) last year has recently confirmed that services will remain suspended until a buyer is found for the company.  Currently there are thought to be 4 interested parties. New owners should be able to obtain the appropriate license as the political climate will have changed since the licence was revoked.

The service was stopped due to concerns over noise and safety issues in Patong Bay. It also had problems with featuring  scheduling information on its website - which is not permitted by a carrier charter.

Jan 26th 2009

The acting president of the Airports of Thailand (AoT) has announced that Suvarnabhumi Airport is ready to take back domestic flights from Don Mueang Airport.. He said that the relocations will start on March 29th and Thai Airways will commence all domestic flights from here on that day.

It is planned that Don Mueang Airport will act as a maintenance centre and also serve chartered flights.

25th January 2009

Orient Thai Airlines have announced a new winter promotion for flights to Hong Kong for 3,999 Baht (one way) and 6,999 Baht (return).  Visit www.orient-thai.com for more details. Orient Thai do not current serve any domestic flights in Thailand.

24th January 2009

One-Two-Go launch a new promotion: "Get 200THB discount/sector on all routes when spending with SCB credit card". This is in addition to current promotions such as: "Buy one ticket and get the second 500THB discount promotion", "Honest fare, Only 1,650 ฿".

See the website for more details.

21st January 2009

In an effort to stimulate traveling in first quarter this year, Thai Airways is cutting domestic airfare by between 45-55 % from the market price while reducing the ticket price for international routes by up to 50 %.

"This is the first time the airline offers such extra lower airfare," Chris Chantalitanon, director area for Thailand, Indochina and Myanmar , said.

12th January 2009

Nok Air will resume flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Phuket from 20th February 2009 onwards. Reservations for flights can be made on the Nok Air website, www.nokair.com, or at the call center 1318 from 7 January 2009 onwards. Prices start from THB 1,490 net per flight.

17th December 2008

Budget carrier Air Asia announced on Tuesday that it will be offer 100,000 free tickets to Thailand from surrounding countries under a marketing campaign intended to support the struggling tourism industry. They are aiming to reinstate "the core message that it is now safe to travel back to the Land of Smiles."

the free tickets will be on their Bangkok routes from Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and China, as well as for flights within Thailand. Flights can be purchased over the next 3 days and for travel between 6th January and 31st March 2009. Passenger will have to pay an administration fee and airport taxes.

8th December 2008

Bangkok’s International Airport operating as normal again. Friday saw the official re-opening of Bangkok’s international airport with people dancing, singing and celebrating all through the night. Thailand's main international airport was shut down for a week by anti-government protesters and is now returning to normal.  Read more: Bangkok’s International Airport re-opens.

3rd December 2008

Hundreds of anti-government protesters began leaving Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport after ending a devastating eight-day blockade, an AFP correspondent has said.

The Acting President Serirat Prasutanond of Airports of Thailand Plc said that commercial passenger flights may be resumed at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport at noon on Friday although it will take at least a week before the airport could resume full operations. Passengers would still be required to check in at Bitec exhibition centre.

He said all the systems would have to be checked before the airport could resume the full opertions. The checking would be completed in one week at the soonest or would take no more than two weeks.

2nd December 2008

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have agreed with airport authorities to re-open Suvarnabhumi International Airport for incoming flights. The first flight to the airport is expected to be within 24 hours. Thousands of tourists will now be able to leave.

Correspondents report that passenger flights may resume as soon as the 4th December.

The deal follows the court ruling that has forced Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to step down over election fraud and has disbanded his governing party.

The leaders of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) said all their occupation of the airport would end from 1000 (0300 GMT) on 3 December.

2nd December 2008

Silk Air puts on additional flights between Singapore and Phuket.

In order to help assist the customers affected by the shutdown of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, SilkAir will have announced that they will mount 13 additional flights between Singapore and Phuket between 2nd December and Sunday 7th December. These flights are in addition to the 4 to 5 regularly scheduled flights per day on this route.

1st December 2008

With Bangkok airports handling over 3% of the worlds air travel and more than 100,000 travelers every day, the shut-down of Don Muang Domestic Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport has caused a disastrous knock-on affect and airlines trying desperately to reroute passengers and freight. Read an summary of the current situation of Bangkok airport shutdown.

29th November 2008

A 24 hour information hotline has been set up at Don Mueang Airport. Passengers and travel agents requiring more information on the status of flights should call:
02-535-7681-3.

28th November 2008

U-Tapao Airport set up as a temporary 'transit corridor' between Bangkok and the eastern seaboard.

Travelers should be able to check in for flights at 4 checkpoints at hotels around the city. Passengers will then be transferred on buses and, due to the small size of the airport, customs and immigration officials will carry out exit requirements on route.

Up to 45 flights could depart U-Tapao, on either Saturday 29th or or Sunday.

It is estimated that 100,000 foreigners are still waiting to board flights home, increasing by 30,000 a day making the situation increasing problematic.

It is reported that tourists overstaying on their visas will not have to pay the normal fines associated with overstaying.

27th November 2008

Thai anti-government protesters have blockaded and shut down a second Bangkok airport, officials said Thursday, just over a day after they forced the closure of the country's main international hub.  Read more about Don Mueang closure.

26th November 2008

One 2 Go Airlines is due to recommence their flights on December 5th 2008 after all flights were cancelled for operational and safety deficiencies.  They are now accepting reservations again after passing a series of rigorous audits by the DCA (Department of Civil Aviation) which tested their organisational structure, safety procedures and quality assurance systems.

Schedules will initially be limited to gauge market reactions.

26th November 2008

Closure of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Thai Airways International (TG) announced that a total of 16 flights have been diverted to land at Don Mueang International Airport, while another three flights: TG508/Muscat-Karachi-Bangkok, TG520/Kuwait-Dubai-Bangkok and TG 941/Milan-Bangkok, have been diverted to land in U-Tapao Airport. All of THAI’s inbound and outbound flights from Suvarnabhumi International Airport are temporarily suspended until it resumes normal operations. Read more about the Suvarnabhumi closure from the Tourist Authority of Thailand.

21st October 2008

Thai Airways will begin to operate flights from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani with a special promotion: “The Heritage”, at a starting price of 1,305 baht for an economy one way ticket. The flight will begin to operate from 26th October 2008.

2nd October 2008

Once Again, Bangkok Airways has been selected as the Best Regional Airline- ASIA by the SKYTRAX WORLD AIRLINE AWARDS 2008. Bangkok Airways is the only airline in Asia to have retained the title "BEST REGIONAL AIRLINE" for 5 years in a row.

1st October

Bangkok Airways offers a new speedy "Web Check-in" service.
Bangkok Airways have just started their "Web Check-in" service for passengers traveling from key domestic routes. The service enables passengers to check-in online and select their preferred seat as 24 hours prior departure through their website. Simply bring your printed boarding pass to the counter to for quick ID verification and baggage check.
At first, Web Check-in service will be available from Bangkok, Samui and Phuket to other domestic destinations and will expand the service to its other destinations soon.

29th September 2008

Samui Airport Ranks World's Top Ten Airports By Smart Travel Asia magazine.
Samui Airport was included in the world's top 10 airports following an annual "Best Travel Brand 2008" poll surveyed by one of Asia's forefront online travel magazine, Smart Travel Asia. The airport was also in the top ten ranking in 2006 and 2007 by the same publication.

17th September 2008

AIRASIA announces Direct Daily Flights from Bangkok to Hong Kong with 5000 FREE SEATS!
AirAsia, the leading and largest low cost carrier in Asia, has announced the launch of direct daily flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok on brand new Airbus 320 with FIVE THOUSAND FREE SEATS up for grabs. This exciting offer is available only online at AirAsia’s website within the booking period from 17 – 21 September 2008 for the travel period from 26 October 2008 – 28 March 2009.

19th July
One-Two-Go airline have been forced to suspend their operations from July 22 to September 15.

The reason the airline has given for this suspension is the continuing rise in oil prices. Founder and CEO Udon Tatiprosongchai made the statement, ‘The company has been losing money for months, and we cannot continue like this.’

One-Two-Go was Thailand’s first low-cost airline when it commenced its service in December 2003 with a Bangkok-Chiang Mai flight. They hope to resume operations when the situation improves.

Other low cost airlines, Thai Air Asia and Nok Air are currently still in service but face the same cost pressure and have revised their business strategies which has resulted in some route reschedules.

Friday July 25, 2008
Nok Air is reducing the number of daily flights operating between Bangkok and Phuket at the end of this month.

Other routes that will be affected are Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchatani and Krabi. Services from Bangkok to Udon Thani, Chiang Mai and Haad Yai are at present unaffected.

A Nok Air spokeswoman cited the rise in oil prices and the general economic downturn as the reason behind the cuts. Nok Air has been flying the route since February 10, 2006.

This leaves only Air Asia and Thai Airways operating on the Bangkok-Phuket route. Thai Airways operates approx. 10 flights on this route a day and Air Asia 6 flights.