Thailand is enhancing its global aviation network by forming new alliances with Vietnam Airlines and flydubai, alongside upgrading its regional airport infrastructure to boost connectivity and promote tourism. These strategic moves are set to facilitate increased travel flow in and out of the country, catering to the burgeoning demand in the sector.
Vietnam Airlines has introduced a new route connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket, which commenced on July 2. This service operates four times a week, providing an annual capacity of approximately 39,500 seats. The new connection is designed to accommodate the growing number of travelers from Vietnam, who accounted for over 300,000 visitors to Thailand in the first half of the year alone.
Meanwhile, flydubai has launched daily flights between Dubai and Bangkok as of July 1. This service is set to increase to twice daily starting September 15, further enhancing the travel link between the United Arab Emirates and Thailand. Such developments are expected to significantly improve accessibility and strengthen economic ties between these regions.
In a separate initiative to bolster its aviation capabilities, Thailand is planning to implement the Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) across its regional airports. This system aims to enhance air traffic management, operational efficiency, and accessibility to secondary cities, which are often underserved by major airlines.
The AFIS system is slated to first be introduced at Phrae and Phetchabun airports by the year 2028, with potential plans to expand this technology to additional regional airports in the future. These advancements reflect Thailand’s commitment to expanding its aviation infrastructure to support increased tourism and improve its overall connectivity.