PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s air travel sector is experiencing a sharp rise in passenger numbers as the New Year 2026 holiday approaches, with authorities rolling out measures to increase seat capacity and reduce airfare prices, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
CAAT reported that passenger traffic throughout December 2025 has risen steadily compared with the previous month, reflecting strong demand for year-end travel and holiday trips. Since December 1, daily passenger numbers have continued to climb, with peak travel expected between December 27, 2025, and January 4, 2026.
As of December 21, a total of approximately 479,979 passengers travelled through airports nationwide in a single day. This included about 208,040 domestic passengers and 271,939 international passengers — a level approaching pre-COVID-19 figures.
International travel has been led by routes between Thailand and China, with around 19,852 passengers, representing about 75% of pre-pandemic levels. Travel from India has exceeded pre-COVID levels, with 10,616 passengers, or about 10% higher than before the pandemic.
For domestic travel, Don Mueang Airport recorded the highest daily passenger volume at around 63,981, followed by Suvarnabhumi Airport with 36,499 passengers per day. Chiang Mai and Phuket airports each handled roughly 20,000 passengers daily.
To manage the surge, the Ministry of Transport and CAAT have coordinated with airlines and aviation agencies to increase flight capacity, offer discounted fares, and enhance passenger services. A total of 66 special flights have been arranged, adding 11,312 seats across six round-trip routes, including Bangkok–Chiang Mai, Bangkok–Krabi, Bangkok–Phuket, Bangkok–Samui, Bangkok–Trang, and Bangkok–Khon Kaen.
In addition, Thai airlines are offering a 30% fare reduction from the maximum fare cap on 36,620 seats across 202 flights on 11 domestic routes. Participating airlines include Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet Air, Nok Air, and Bangkok Airways, with travel periods spanning late December 2025 to early January 2026.
Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of CAAT, said the authority is prioritising passenger welfare during the busy holiday season by working closely with all aviation stakeholders to ensure safe, fair, and smooth travel for the public.
Supporting measures include reduced landing and parking fees by Airports of Thailand, discounted air navigation service charges by Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, and extended airport operating hours arranged by the Department of Airports to prevent passenger congestion.
CAAT also stressed that airfare prices are being closely monitored to ensure compliance with fare regulations and advised passengers to plan ahead, purchase tickets directly from airlines, and allow extra time when travelling to airports during the peak holiday period. (TNA)
