Bangkok: Songkran 2026 marked a significant increase in air travel across Thailand, with an average of 2,500 flights taking to the skies each day.
According to Thai News Agency, the bustling period from April 10-19 saw major airports such as Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket operating at full capacity.
Mr. Surachai Nuphrom, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Managing Director of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co., Ltd., reported that AROT had made extensive preparations to handle the surge in flight traffic during the festival. The anticipated daily average of 2,562 flights represented a 1.8 percent increase over the previous year. The flight activity was heavily concentrated at key airports, with Suvarnabhumi alone managing 1,050 flights per day, followed by Don Mueang with 692 flights, and Phuket and Chiang Mai airports handling 298 and 193 flights per day, respectively.
Travel patterns during Songkran indicated a peak in flight operations during specific hours, notably between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, when both airlines and passengers preferred to schedule travel. Mr. Surachai noted that domestic flights constituted the majority of air travel during this period. AROT ensured seamless operations by adhering to Air Traffic Flow Management guidelines, enhancing airspace utilization, and optimizing aircraft take-off and landing schedules to minimize congestion.
To support the increased demand, AROT bolstered its air traffic control and engineering workforce, ensuring round-the-clock operation to maintain high performance. The organization also optimized the functionality of essential air traffic control systems, including aircraft tracking, navigation aids, and communication systems, to support safe and efficient travel.
Contingency plans were in place to address any unexpected situations, with real-time coordination established between airlines and relevant agencies to ensure the safe management of air traffic. This strategic approach not only aimed to ensure passenger safety but also to bolster tourism and stimulate economic growth during the festival. Passengers were advised to allocate extra travel time and stay informed through airline updates.