The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) recently held its 25th regular meeting in Phuket, gathering senior airline executives to address the industry's recovery strategies amid ongoing global economic pressures. The event saw participation from major carriers including Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet. Discussions revolved around operational challenges, fuel price volatility, and upcoming promotional initiatives aimed at boosting domestic tourism.
Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, the CEO of Bangkok Airways and President of AAT, stressed the vital role of the aviation sector in supporting Thailand's economy and tourism industry. He pointed out that targeted government support, such as lowering taxes on domestic jet fuel, could alleviate rising costs and preserve essential domestic routes, especially to key tourist destinations.
Government and Industry Initiatives
Part of the agenda included a proposed discounted fare program for the Songkran Festival in 2026, offering discounts of up to 30%, and regulatory reviews to strengthen airline resilience. Additionally, the Tourism Authority of Thailand proposed a campaign, 'Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights,' which would offer free domestic flights to international travelers making purchases from abroad. The scheme aims to stimulate inbound tourism and was initially considered in August 2025, involving six airlines and supported by a budget of roughly THB 700 million, covering around 400,000 seats.
"These measures are crucial to revitalizing Thailand's travel industry," said Mr. Puttipong. Experts from DAOL Securities and Krungsri Securities expressed confidence that the initiatives would benefit key tourism companies and airlines, with early indicators showing strong hotel bookings in major regions like Phuket, Bangkok, and Pattaya.
Overall, stakeholders remain optimistic about the sector's recovery prospects, driven by strategic policy support and increased domestic travel demand. The incoming political administration is expected to prioritize tourism-friendly policies, enhancing Thailand's position as a popular and safe travel destination.
