Thai AirAsia will temporarily suspend all of its domestic flights operating from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport from Jul. 15 to Sep. 30, citing rising aviation fuel costs and weaker travel demand.
The airline said all affected services will instead operate from Don Mueang International Airport, which remains its primary hub. Flights are scheduled to resume at Suvarnabhumi on Oct. 1.
Nine domestic routes affected
The temporary suspension covers nine domestic routes previously operating out of Suvarnabhumi, including:
- Chiang Mai
- Phuket
- Buri Ram
- Chiang Rai
- Hat Yai
- Khon Kaen
- Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Surat Thani
- Udon Thani
Passengers who have already booked flights on these routes have been advised to contact Thai AirAsia for rebooking arrangements through Don Mueang Airport.
The move follows an earlier decision by the airline to reduce its average flight capacity by 30 per cent during May and June.
Jet fuel costs continue to pressure airlines
Thai AirAsia previously said soaring jet fuel prices were its biggest operating challenge, forcing the airline to optimise its network by cutting frequencies and suspending routes that were no longer commercially viable.
The carrier noted that aviation fuel prices had surged to more than three times previous levels, making it necessary to reduce operating costs.
Besides higher fuel expenses, the airline also pointed to softer travel demand during the middle of the year as another factor behind the network adjustment.
Other airlines also affected
Thai AirAsia is not the only carrier making changes.
Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air and Thai VietJet Air have also adjusted flight schedules or increased fares this year to offset rising operating costs.
In response to the pressure facing the aviation industry, Thailand’s Transport Ministry has reportedly held discussions with airline executives on possible relief measures, including a temporary reduction in excise tax on jet fuel.
Separately, Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority will also introduce new security rules allowing officers to open checked baggage without passengers being present if X-ray scans detect potentially dangerous items.