BANGKOK, Thailand – Udon Thani International Airport will begin receiving direct charter flights from Kunming on September 8, opening a new air connection between China and upper northeastern Thailand. Lucky Air will operate the Kunming–Udon Thani–Kunming route twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays through October 22. The service will use Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 189 seats. Flight 8L867 is scheduled to arrive in Udon Thani at 5:50 p.m., while the return flight 8L868 will depart for Kunming at 6:50 p.m. Flight times are subject to operational changes.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana announced the service today (Aug 28), with immigration, customs, and ground transportation agencies preparing to accommodate international passengers. Udon Thani International Airport is also scheduled to receive its Public Aerodrome Operating Certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand on September 2. Lucky Air will receive a 50% reduction in landing, takeoff, and aircraft parking charges for one year under government measures supporting new routes. The Kunming service is expected to improve access to upper Northeastern Thailand and generate more tourism revenue for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and other local businesses. (NNT)
