The Thai Ministry of Transport is considering implementing relief measures for airlines, including delaying increases in airport fees and reducing jet fuel taxes, with plans for promotional campaigns offering free domestic flights to attract foreign tourists. These proposals aim to ease operational costs for airlines, stimulate tourism, and revitalize the country's transportation sector.
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn recently convened with the Thai Airlines Association to discuss cost-management strategies amidst ongoing economic recovery efforts. The association suggested postponing fee hikes at major airports like Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi, possibly until 2027 or 2028, to allow increased flight frequencies and regional income sharing.
The proposed reduction of the jet fuel excise tax from 4.726 baht to 0.20 baht per liter could lower airline operating costs and enable domestic fares to decrease by approximately 100 baht per flight. If adopted, airlines anticipate increasing domestic seat capacity by over 3.8 million seats from mid-January to mid-May, generating significant economic activity.
Additionally, the Thai Airlines Association plans to launch a promotional campaign titled "Buy International, Free Domestic Flights," targeting foreign tourists purchasing international tickets between January 15 and April 12. The campaign aims to attract over 200,000 international visitors and contribute more than 8.5 billion baht to the economy.
Transport Minister Phiphat emphasized that the ministry would evaluate all proposals thoroughly within 30 days, in coordination with relevant agencies, to ensure effective implementation that benefits the public and strengthens the nation's air transport infrastructure. Meanwhile, discussions continue with Airbus Asia-Pacific regarding potential collaborations, including investments in maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities at U-Tapao Airport, which is part of the Eastern Economic Corridor project. Resuming the MRO project is seen as vital in advancing Thailand's goal of becoming a regional aviation hub.
