Thai AirAsia X is considering launching a new flight route in 2024 between Bangkok and Almaty, Kazakhstan, following a surge in tourist arrivals from Kazakhstan. The move comes in response to Thailand’s visa-free policy, which has boosted tourism numbers.
Tassapon Bijleveld, executive chairman of Asia Aviation, the parent company of Thai AirAsia, announced plans to expand the airline’s fleet from seven to ten aircraft next year. The new aircraft will service potential high-demand routes as tourism in Thailand is expected to see 30 million arrivals.
The direct Thailand-Kazakhstan flights seek to tap into Kazakhstan’s growing tourism potential while also promoting Kazakhstan as an attractive destination for Thai tourists. As of December 11, Kazakhstan has sent over 154,000 tourists to Thailand this year, a significant increase from last year.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) targets 240,000 visitors from Kazakhstan next year, driven by the visa-free policy and increased flight capacity. In addition to the Kazakhstan route, Thai AirAsia X is exploring new markets in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, and plans to expand its network in Japan.
Domestically, Thai AirAsia has seen passenger volumes return to pre-2019 levels, indicating a strong recovery in the tourism sector. Tassapon suggested that the government should focus more on domestic tourism to mitigate international market risks. (NNT)
