PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI) has forecast a surge in air travel during the Songkran holiday period, with more than 2,500 flights expected per day between April 10 and 19, 2026.
According to acting president Surachai Nooprom, the country is projected to handle an average of 2,562 flights daily, marking a 1.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The rise reflects strong domestic travel demand as people return to their hometowns and visit popular tourist destinations during the festive season.
Flight traffic remains heavily concentrated at Thailand’s major airports. Suvarnabhumi Airport is expected to be the busiest, handling around 1,050 flights per day. It is followed by Don Mueang Airport with approximately 692 daily flights, while Phuket International Airport and Chiang Mai International Airport are projected to manage about 298 and 193 flights per day respectively.
Authorities noted that flight schedules are not evenly distributed throughout the day, with peak congestion expected during late morning hours from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and again in the evening from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. These time slots are preferred by both airlines and passengers, creating concentrated traffic periods across the network.
To ensure smooth operations, AEROTHAI has implemented comprehensive air traffic management measures, including advanced planning under Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) guidelines, improved airspace utilization, and optimized aircraft spacing during takeoffs and landings. Additional air traffic controllers and engineering staff have been deployed to match peak demand, with teams operating around the clock.
The agency has also reinforced the readiness of key aviation systems, including aircraft tracking, navigation aids, and communication networks, to maintain high service efficiency. Emergency response plans have been prepared to handle unexpected situations, while real-time coordination with airlines and relevant agencies is ongoing to ensure safety and minimize delays.
With domestic flights accounting for the majority of traffic during Songkran, authorities say the system is fully prepared to support the travel rush while maintaining safety standards. Officials are advising passengers to allow extra time for their journeys and to stay updated with airline announcements throughout the holiday period.
