Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Thailand Prepares for Record Holiday Travel as Airlines Deploy Extra Aircraft and Cut Fares on Popular Domestic Routes to Support Millions of Passengers During Songkran Published on
March 28, 2026Image generated with AiThailand is preparing for a surge in domestic travel ahead of the Songkran holiday, implementing a coordinated strategy between aviation authorities and airlines to expand flight options and maintain affordable ticket prices during the country’s busiest travel season.The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has partnered with six leading carriers to ensure smooth connectivity across the nation, focusing on routes that link Bangkok with high-demand leisure and regional destinations. The initiative aims to manage the influx of travellers efficiently, prevent overcrowding, and stabilise fares during the peak holiday period.Airlines expand capacity to meet unprecedented demandThe programme involves Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet, which together will operate 191 additional round-trip flights from 10 to 15 April, adding nearly 30,000 extra seats across 11 major domestic routes.The enhanced schedule prioritises connections between Bangkok and top travel destinations such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Koh Samui, which are traditionally crowded during the Songkran festival. By adding flights to these high-traffic corridors, authorities aim to reduce congestion and provide passengers with more flexible travel options.AdvertisementAirlines are also adjusting aircraft deployment to meet demand efficiently. Bangkok Airways will operate 24 extra flights to Koh Samui, while Thai Airways will introduce wide-body planes on select domestic routes to accommodate more passengers without increasing flight frequencies significantly. These adjustments are designed to optimise seat availability while ensuring operational efficiency during the festival.Discounted fares offer relief for travellersIn addition to increasing capacity, airlines are offering fare reductions on selected routes, with discounts ranging from 15 to 30 percent. The fare strategy is intended to make travel more affordable during the busy holiday period, countering typical price hikes that occur when demand is high.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand continues to monitor ticket pricing to ensure that promotional fares are applied fairly and that airlines can maintain sustainable operations …
