BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Airports (DOA) is cutting airport fees by 50% for new routes and new airlines for up to one year in a renewed push to expand air services to regional airports. Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said the measure is designed to encourage both domestic and international airlines to launch new services to airports outside Bangkok, giving travellers more choices while supporting regional tourism, trade and investment. Under the New Route – New Airline program, new routes will receive a 50% reduction in landing and aircraft parking charges for one year, while airlines launching services to airports where they have not previously operated will receive the same reduction for six months.
The new incentive program runs from August 10, 2026, to August 9, 2027. Airlines interested in participating can submit applications to the Department of Airports for consideration.
Phatthaphong said the measure would not only reduce operating costs for airlines but could also benefit passengers through more convenient connections, shorter travel times and more competitive fares. He said the initiative supports the government’s “Airport for Regional Development” policy, which aims to connect air transport with regional economies and tourism while spreading income to local communities.
Department of Airports Director-General Danai Rueangsorn said the previous incentive programme had already attracted new services. In 2025, airlines applied for incentives covering six new routes, including Thai Lion Air’s Udon Thani–U-Tapao service; Thai AirAsia’s Buriram–Bangkok, Narathiwat–Bangkok and Nakhon Si Thammarat–Bangkok routes; and EZY Airlines’ Betong–Hat Yai and Surat Thani–Hat Yai services.
Two airlines also qualified under the New Airline measure: Thai VietJet on the Nakhon Si Thammarat–Bangkok route and Thai Lion Air on the Nakhon Phanom–Don Mueang route.
The department said expanding the number of airlines and routes could increase competition in regional aviation, potentially putting downward pressure on fares while improving service quality and reducing dependence on single operators. Authorities expect the expanded connectivity to support domestic tourism, trade and investment while making air travel more accessible for people living in regional areas.
