As travelers brace themselves for the upcoming New Year festivities, Suvarnabhumi Airport is expected to become a bustling hub once again. Last year, it was a similar scene, with travelers eagerly getting ready for the seasonal celebrations. It’s an exciting time, and to make sure everyone can join in the festivities without breaking the bank, six airlines have stepped up to ensure that travel costs remain reasonable.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that a collaborative effort is underway to add over 73,000 seats during the New Year period. This move is designed to prevent any wild surges in ticket prices—a phenomenon many still remember from last year’s holiday period. A lineup of popular carriers, including Thai Airways International (THAI), alongside members of the Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) such as Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet Air, are in on this mission. They’ve been tasked with boosting seat availability between Bangkok and 14 crucial destinations. Whether you’re looking to head to the cultural haven of Chiang Mai, the island paradise of Phuket, or the lively locale of Udon Thani, the airline giants have you covered.
The strategy is clear: increase the number of flights and, when feasible, deploy larger aircraft. In this spirit, the AAT carriers are set to roll out 247 additional flights strategically scheduled between the target cities from December 26 to January 5. This move alone adds a hefty 48,244 seats to the mix, all ready for eager travelers starting Monday.
Meanwhile, Thai Airways isn’t taking a backseat. They’re coming in strong, operating larger aircraft on prime routes such as those connecting Bangkok with Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. This initiative promises to deliver an impressive 25,144 extra seats from early December to early January. “This collaborative powerhouse of airlines is ready to offer an astounding 73,388 additional seats for those planning to travel during New Year’s,” Suriya remarked with a note of optimism.
But the coordination doesn’t stop at the airlines. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), in conjunction with Airports of Thailand (AoT), the Department of Airports (DoA), and Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai), have all agreed to extend service hours for airports nationwide. This extension ensures that the additional flights can operate beyond regular hours, particularly during peak travel days of December 27-28 and January 1-2, 2025.
Given the anticipated spike in travel demand during the long holiday, Suriya had an important advisory for travelers: “Plan ahead. Purchase your tickets early and always buy directly from the airline’s official website. This not only helps you secure your seat but also shields you from scams and additional charges.”
With everything set in motion, all signs point to a smoother, more cost-effective travel experience this New Year. So, whether you’re reuniting with family or exploring new destinations, the journey should be just as delightful as the destination itself. Safe travels and happy New Year!
Great news for travelers! Cheaper flights mean more people can visit friends and family over New Year. This is a step in the right direction.
True, but aren’t these extra seats just going to get snapped up super fast anyway, leaving prices to creep back up?
Possibly, but at least they’re trying to address the issue. Beats doing nothing and letting prices skyrocket unchecked.
Let’s hope the system can actually manage the increased demand without causing crazy delays.
I wonder if this will really help the average person or if it’s just a marketing trick. Airlines always seem to find ways to gouge us anyway.
Could be a valid point. Those ‘extra’ seats might still be quite pricey. Airlines love to bundle fees in creative ways.
Exactly my concern! I’m keeping my expectations low until I see the actual ticket prices.
I’m just hoping this move doesn’t lead to overcrowded flights. Comfort is just as important as cost.
Agreed! Extra seats are fine, but if they’re squeezing more people into the same space, that’s a no-go for me.
Right? I’m not paying to be packed like a sardine. They need to balance cost with traveler comfort.
Kudos to the airlines for this proactive approach! Travel should be accessible to more people, especially during the holiday season.
What I’m curious about is how the additional flights and hours will impact airport staff. Extra work means extra stress, and I hope they’re compensated fairly.
Good point! We rarely think about the people making all this possible. Hope they receive the support and incentives they deserve.
I’ve been burnt by these kinds of announcements before. Extra seats sound great on paper but lose value amid poor execution.
So true! Last time an airline promised extra flights, the delays were insane. I wish they’d learn from past mistakes.
Exactly, and then they act surprised when people get upset. Consistency in service would do wonders here.
I hope extending airport hours doesn’t mean more noise for communities living around these areas, especially at night.
Night flights are a nightmare for locals. More flights sound great until you can’t sleep because of them.
It’s perplexing why they don’t do this for every holiday season. Demand isn’t a surprise.
I hope low-cost seats don’t come at the cost of safety. More flights might stretch crews thin.
As a pilot, I’m aware we’re well-trained to handle these peaks, but everyone’s safety protocols must be on point.
Making tickets available directly through airlines deters scams? Color me skeptical. Hacks are more common than they claim.
It’s safer relatively. Airlines invest in security more than third-party vendors ever do.
Still, I’ll make sure to use secure payment methods beyond just choosing the official site.
For digital nomads like me, any reduction in travel cost is a blessing. Will definitely be booking my next flight soon!
Same here! Constant travel means every bit saved is worth celebrating.