BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thai AirAsia has suspended nine international routes from Don Mueang airport due to skyrocketing fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict.
AirAsia cuts nine routes – travelers stranded
The low-cost carrier will suspend multiple connections from spring to fall 2026. Affected destinations include Kathmandu, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur.
The route to Kuala Lumpur will be completely dropped from April 29 to October 24. Flights to Indian cities Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Jaipur, and Lucknow are also canceled until October.
Fuel prices explode – flying becomes a luxury
The price shock originates from the Middle East. The conflict has driven kerosene costs from around 80 dollars per barrel to over 140 dollars – two to three times pre-crisis levels.
Previously, fuel accounted for about 30 percent of costs per flight. Now it consumes much more. Medium and long-haul flights have become unaffordable for airlines.
Thai Airways also cuts – tourism in danger
The crisis affects the entire industry. Thai Airways will reduce flight frequencies on many routes in Asia, Europe, and domestically from May. Reason: weaker demand and absurdly high fuel costs.
These measures take effect from May 1. For travelers, this means less choice, higher prices, and more booking chaos.
Chaos at the airport – passengers left in the lurch
Just last week, there was trouble with Thai AirAsia X. The airline canceled flights from Don Mueang to Osaka without warning. Affected passengers reported constant rebookings without notification from the airline.
The tourism industry fears further disruptions. More routes are being dropped, and more passengers are stranded or forced to book expensive alternatives.
Domestic flights also affected – South Thailand cut off?
Cuts are also occurring within Thailand. The Suvarnabhumi to Narathiwat connection is suspended from April 21 to October 24. The south loses a vital direct link.
The crisis extends to China: the Don Mueang to Xi’an route will drop from May for months. The Hong Kong-Okinawa route is also closed until October.
Middle East conflict as accelerant – airlines at their limit
Airlines are caught in a dilemma. Jet-A1 fuel prices have exploded, and an end to the conflict is not in sight. The result: tickets become more expensive, offers rarer.
Thai AirAsia now has to calculate strictly. Every flight that does not generate enough profit will be cut. Routes with weaker demand are the first to go.
Fight for every connection – who pays the bill?
In the end, passengers always pay. Anyone wanting to travel to Thailand now needs patience and a thick wallet. The major airlines are fighting for survival – and saving at the expense of customers.
But how long can airlines continue like this? And who helps travelers suddenly left without a flight? The answer lies in the hands of politics – and stability in the Middle East.
Who benefits from the crisis – and who suffers?
It is not only corporations that struggle. It is families forced to cancel their holidays. Businesspeople missing appointments. People unable to visit relatives. The crisis has a face – and it is the passengers.
What do you think – is an airline allowed to simply cancel flights without prior warning? Or should there be stricter rules to protect travelers? Write us your experiences – we want to hear if the cancellations have affected you.