AirAsia Confident in Air Travel Recovery as Key Destinations Register High Load Factors

“Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai” See 80% Load Factor Averages for First Half of September

BANGKOK, 7 September 2021- AirAsia is confident air travel sentiment will recover especially during the year-end holiday period following a government announcement relaxing travel restrictions, and supported by  its own health and safety enhancements.  

Upon resuming service on 3 September, 2021, the airline has observed that its direct flights from Don Mueang to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Hat Yai to be the top 3 most booked and flown routes, with an average of 80% of available seats booked  for 3-15 September 2021. (This is based on the 75% maximum capacity per flight allowed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand).  

Flights to northeastern destinations of Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Nakhon Panom have also been well received. In anticipation of higher demand, AirAsia has plans to increase its flight frequencies to these destinations, with additional direct flights and regional connections especially for the year-end holiday season. 

AirAsia Thailand Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Santisuk Klongchaiya, said  AirAsia has resumed  11 routes as part of its gradual return to domestic service.  The carrier has been flying direct from Don Mueang to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Panom and Roi Et since 3 September and began flying direct to Phuket on 8 September.

“We have seen a very positive response within the first three days of returning to service especially for popular destinations such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Hat Yai, which achieved load factors as high as 90% and we foresee the demand to continue on a good momentum. These are very encouraging  signs  for the aviation business and tourism industry, which we expect to begin recovering very soon,” Mr. Santisuk said.

AirAsia is keeping a close eye on the situation and is always committed to playing an active and positive role in the recovery of the domestic market by  adding more  routes and increasing flight frequencies in time for the high season in the fourth quarter.  

A steady decline in the number of COVID-19 infections and wider vaccination rates across the Kingdom are key catalysts for the recovery.  To further boost demand, the airline is offering promotions and campaigns to give travelers the best value and flexible travel deals.

Most importantly, AirAsia is maintaining its stringent health and safety measures, including vaccinating all of its service staff, who will also regularly be tested for COVID-19, requiring guests to wear a face mask throughout their journey, performing regular disinfection of cabins and contact surfaces, and strictly adhering to all guidelines and regulations set by health and civil aviation authorities, including 75% maximum capacity allowed per flight and transfer shuttles to a maximum 50 people per trip. All AirAsia aircraft are fitted with hospital-grade HEPA filters that are able to filter out 99.99% of dust particulates including bacteria and viruses from the cabin air. 

Guests may book a seat on any of AirAsia’s many available routes through the airasia Super App or the website. Guests are advised to review the travel regulations and entry requirements of their destination at www.moicovid.com/ข้อมูลสำคัญ-จังหวัด/ before booking a flight and to allow extra time for health and safety protocols at the airport.