Bangkok: The government is moving forward with upgrading regional airports, negotiating to increase flights, and promoting Udon Thani as an international aviation hub to connect the regional economy and tourism.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is advancing the development of air transportation systems. This initiative aligns with the policy of upgrading the country's infrastructure. Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Patarapong Pataraprasit, engaged in discussions with executives from Thai VietJet Air and the Department of Airports (DOA) to expand flight networks, enhance flight frequencies, and upgrade regional airports. These efforts aim to serve as key mechanisms for driving the economy, tourism, and international connectivity.
The Deputy Spokesperson highlighted that, following the discussions, Thai VietJet Air plans to boost its flight frequencies from 98 to 147 flights per week, a 50% increase. This expansion will cover routes between Bangkok and major regional airports like Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Surat Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani. The goal is to meet public travel demand, enhance tourism, and support regional economic growth.
Ms. Lalida emphasized that the government is prioritizing the promotion of Udon Thani province as an international aviation hub in the Northeast. Airlines are exploring the possibility of opening flight routes from Udon Thani to key cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Taipei in Taiwan, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, as well as Tokyo and Osaka in Japan. This initiative aims to boost trade, investment, tourism, and cooperation with neighboring countries.
Furthermore, the airline is currently assessing the feasibility of launching direct international flights on the Udon Thani-Ho Chi Minh City and Krabi-Ho Chi Minh City routes by 2027. It has also formed a strategic partnership with EZY Airlines to develop routes connecting Udon Thani with Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2026. This development will help increase passenger volume, expand the aviation market, and support the long-term growth of the aviation industry.
The deputy spokesperson added that Mr. Phatarapong had also discussed with airlines the potential of opening additional flight routes to secondary cities such as Ranong, Trang, Khon Kaen-Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai-Hua Hin. Additionally, there is a focus on promoting international flight routes from Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore to Hua Hin in preparation for future international flight services.