Six Thai airlines have agreed to lay on an extra 38 domestic flights during the Songkran holiday, to address the issue of expensive airfares. (Phuket GO will bet that the Songkran airfares will still be expensive).
Thailand’s transport minister, Suriya Juengrungreangkit, made the announcement yesterday, February 29, according to a Bangkok Post report. The minister says the extra flights will make another 13,000 seats available over the Songkran period.
He was speaking after a meeting held to discuss the lowering of domestic airfares during the April holiday. On Wednesday, February 28, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand met with representatives from Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Thai LionAir, NokAir and Thai Vietjet.
During the meeting, all carriers agreed to an extra 28 domestic flights on April 11 and 12 and again on April 15 and 16. Destinations include Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Udon Thani, UbonRatchathani and Khon Kaen.
Suriya told reporters that he has ordered all relevant parties, including Airports of Thailand, to accelerate preparations for the extra flights. He adds that the main goal of his ministry is to offer travellers in Thailand a convenient and fast service, coupled with reasonable prices and safety measures.
Meanwhile, the CAAT says the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with a 30% increase in the excise tax on fuel, has created the current situation with higher airfares.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
