Thai AirAsia to Boost Phuket Domestic Flights Ahead of High Season

Thai AirAsia is preparing to increase the number of domestic flights to Phuket from Bangkok and several provinces in northeastern Thailand starting October 1. The move comes ahead of the high season and follows reductions made during the low season.

At least part of the upcoming change is expected to restore domestic services that the Thai subsidiary of the Malaysian low-cost airline reduced during the low season amid higher aviation fuel costs and weaker demand for travel. However, it is not yet possible to determine exactly how many flights will be restored to Phuket or whether the overall schedule will be larger than last year's.

Thai AirAsia said that during the fourth quarter it plans to expand its domestic network across Thailand to as many as 135 flights per day. The airline did not specify a minimum figure, but noted that the planned level would be more than 50% above the peak average of 88 daily flights recorded in the third quarter. The announcement did not provide a year-on-year comparison.

For Phuket, the increase will primarily involve the restoration of regular service frequencies from Bangkok's two main airports. From October 1, Thai AirAsia plans to operate:

• 15 flights per day from Don Mueang to Phuket

• 5 flights per day from Suvarnabhumi to Phuket

This will bring the airline's scheduled service between Bangkok and Phuket to as many as 20 flights a day under the current seasonal schedule. That is still nearly one-third below the level seen during the previous winter season if the comparison is based simply on the number of scheduled flight codes.

On October 25, airlines worldwide will switch to their winter schedules. Thai AirAsia's plans for the new season are therefore expected to provide additional capacity on one of Thailand's most important domestic tourism routes.

The airline also says that direct flights from northeastern Thailand will complement existing travel options via Bangkok, giving passengers more ways to reach Phuket without having to connect through the capital.

Direct services from the Isan region have traditionally been limited. Thai AirAsia has generally structured its domestic network around Don Mueang Airport as a central hub, which allows the carrier to connect different parts of Thailand through Bangkok while keeping its operations economically efficient.

Phuket remains the airline's key domestic destination from Bangkok. However, the planned expansion is not limited to the capital–Phuket route, with additional changes to Thai AirAsia's domestic network expected as the high season approaches.