Thai AirAsia Implements Flight Schedules Reduction by 30% in May-June to Navigate Surging Fuel Costs and Softer Travel Demand
BANGKOK, 28 April 2026 – Thai AirAsia (flight code FD) announces a strategic capacity adjustment for the second quarter (May-June 2026), reducing overall seat capacity by an average of 30%. This proactive measure addresses the ongoing impact of skyrocketing global aviation fuel prices and the seasonal softening of mid-year travel demand. For domestic routes, the airline will carefully optimize flight frequencies while remaining deeply committed to serving our passengers with the most extensive network possible, sustaining our convenient dual-hub operations at both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports. Internationally, adjustments will primarily affect the Indian market, where elevated operating costs currently challenge our ability to offer the affordable fares our guests expect.
Mr. Phairat Pornpathananangoon, Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia, stated, "We have continuously done our utmost to adapt and efficiently manage our costs in response to the prolonged spike in aviation fuel prices, coupled with the traditional mid-year travel slowdown. For our domestic network, our priority remains steadfast- we are carefully managing our seat capacity to ensure it sufficiently meets travel demand, while working hard to keep fares reflective of actual costs yet reasonable for our guests."
"Aviation fuel constitutes our primary operating expense, and with jet fuel prices having surged more than threefold recently, we must rigorously optimize our operational plans by reducing flight frequencies and temporarily suspending several unviable routes. For our domestic network, we are scaling back our flight schedules at Suvarnabhumi Airport, retaining only the direct services from Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai and Phuket during May and June. Meanwhile, at Don Mueang Airport, we will continue to operate our full network across all destinations, with flight frequencies strategically aligned to match actual passenger demand," Mr. Phairat explained.
On the international front, the airline has temporarily suspended and reduced frequencies primarily on Indian routes due to high operating costs that currently prevent sustainable, competitive pricing. Meanwhile, operations across key markets such as China, East Asia, and ASEAN remain steady. The airline maintains a highly agile strategy and is monitoring global conditions closely. Should fuel prices stabilize and travel demand accelerate, Thai AirAsia stands fully prepared to rapidly reinstate and scale up its flight operations to serve our passengers once again.
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Schedule of Thai AirAsia (FD) Network Adjustments and Temporary Route Suspensions
I. Domestic Network Adjustments
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Buri Ram (BFV): 1 May 2026 – 30 June 2026
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Chiang Rai (CEI): 1 May 2026 – 30 June 2026
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Khon Kaen (KKC): 1 May 2026 – 30 June 2026
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Hat Yai (HDY): 1 May 2026 – 30 June 2026
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Krabi (KBV): 1 May 2026 – 30 June 2026
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Surat Thani (URT): 1 May 2026 – 30 June 2026
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Nakhon Si Thammarat (NST): 1 May 2026 – 30 June 2026
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Udon Thani (UTH): 28 April 2026 – 30 June 2026
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Narathiwat (NAW): Suspension effective from 21 April 2026
Operational Note: All direct flights to the aforementioned domestic destinations operating from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) remain unaffected and will continue to operate as scheduled. Passengers seeking alternative domestic flights may utilize our DMK hub.
II. International Network Adjustments
Don Mueang (DMK) – Guwahati (GAU): 29 April 2026 – 24 October 2026
Don Mueang (DMK) – Kathmandu (KTM): 1 May 2026 – 31 July 2026
Don Mueang (DMK) – Bali (DPS): 1 May 2026 – 30 June 2026
Don Mueang (DMK) – Hong Kong (HKG): 12 May 2026 – 30 June 2026
Don Mueang (DMK) – Singapore (SIN): 12 May 2026 – 30 June 2026
Don Mueang (DMK) – Jaipur (JAI): 12 May 2026 – 24 October 2026
Don Mueang (DMK) – Ahmedabad (AMD): 28 May 2026 – 24 October 2026
Don Mueang (DMK) – Hyderabad (HYD): 1 June 2026 – 24 October 2026
Don Mueang (DMK) – Lucknow (LKO): 3 June 2026 – 24 October 2026
Don Mueang (DMK) – Xi'an (XIY): Suspension effective from 11 May 2026
Phuket (HKT) – Chennai (MAA): Suspension effective from 13 April 2026
Phuket (HKT) – Kochi (COK): Suspension effective from 17 April 2026
Hong Kong (HKG) – Okinawa (OKA): Suspension effective from 7 May 2026