The aviation regulator expects airlines to cut flights after Songkran as fuel costs rise and travel demand weakens.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said it is closely monitoring the impact of the Mideast war, which has driven a sharp increase in jet fuel prices. Despite higher costs, domestic flights continue operating normally.
Airlines have maintained ticket availability through dynamic pricing and coordinated measures across the sector. Passengers who book early can still find reasonably priced fares, while travellers are advised to purchase tickets directly from airlines for clarity on pricing and conditions.
However, CAAT expects airlines to tweak operations after the holiday peak. "Airlines are likely to gradually revise their operations in line with higher fuel costs and off-season demand," the regulator said, pointing to early signs of international carriers reducing flight frequencies.
Before Songkran, CAAT worked with six carriers to cut fares by 15–30% on 11 domestic routes, adding nearly 30,000 seats to ease travel pressure. Most low-fare tickets have since sold out due to strong demand.
Meanwhile, concerns over high ticket prices persist. Democrat MP Karn Tangpong warned fares on some routes, such as a one-way ticket to his hometown in Trang, had surged to 5,000–6,000 baht during the holiday. He urged the government to introduce structural measures to reduce costs and ease the burden on the public.
