Thailand is making strides to enhance its global aviation presence by establishing new alliances with Vietnam Airlines and flydubai, while also upgrading its regional airport infrastructure to boost tourism and connectivity. This strategic move is part of Thailand’s broader effort to attract more visitors and streamline travel within the region.
In a bid to cater to growing travel demands, Vietnam Airlines inaugurated a new route connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket on July 2. This service operates four times a week, offering an annual capacity of approximately 39,500 seats. The route is designed to accommodate the increasing number of Vietnamese travelers, with more than 300,000 having visited Thailand in the first half of the year alone.
Meanwhile, flydubai has also expanded its services by launching daily flights between Dubai and Bangkok starting July 1. The airline has ambitious plans to further enhance this connection by doubling the frequency to twice daily from September 15, thus strengthening the air bridge between the United Arab Emirates and Thailand.
In a separate initiative to bolster regional connectivity, Thailand is set to implement the Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) at its regional airports. This system aims to enhance air traffic management, boost operational efficiency, and improve access to less frequented cities. Phrae and Phetchabun airports are slated to be the first to benefit from the AFIS system by 2028, with potential expansions to other regional airports being considered.