UDON THANI, THAILAND – Thailand’s Northeast is gearing up to become a significant international gateway as the Ministry of Transport advances plans to develop Udon Thani as an air transport hub, with Thai Vietjet poised to facilitate direct travel for tourists and business travelers to the booming region.
Vorstoß aus Bangkok
Deputy Minister of Transport, Phattrapong Phattraprasit, has met with the leadership of Thai Vietjet to propel these ambitious plans forward. The discussions included Pinyot Pibulsonggram, Deputy CEO for Commerce and Customer Relations, and Sayada Benjakul, representing Corporate Relations.
The focus of these meetings extended beyond enhancing passenger comfort; it deeply involved a substantial strengthening of air connectivity. Phattrapong also encouraged the airline to consider adding new routes, including direct flights from Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai to Hua Hin, as well as to the provinces of Ranong and Trang.
Der große Inlands-Boost
Thai Vietjet is set to significantly increase its flight frequencies, targeting an expansion from the current 98 to 147 weekly flights. This represents a substantial 50 percent increase, covering all round-trip services connecting Bangkok with major regional airports.
In addition to Udon Thani, other airports set to benefit from this expansion include Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Surat Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani. The overarching message is clear: the economies of these provinces require robust logistical connections, and tourism is to be supported by a more comprehensive route network.
Internationale Ambitionen
Central to these plans is the designated role of Udon Thani as a springboard for international travel. Thai Vietjet is preparing to launch direct flights to key destinations, including routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, extending to Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Osaka.
These new routes are designed not only to attract tourists but also to foster trade flows and encourage investment. The aim is for Udon Thani to become the natural departure point for business travelers and tourists from the entire Isaan region, who currently must detour through Bangkok.
Grenzenlos nach Vietnam
Simultaneously, feasibility studies are underway for cross-border direct flights from Udon Thani to Ho Chi Minh City, and from Krabi to Ho Chi Minh City. These routes could be operational by 2027, contingent on the successful outcome of the studies.
Progress on international connectivity is expected to be even quicker through a strategic partnership between Thai Vietjet and EZY Airlines. Flights from Udon Thani to the Vietnamese cities of Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City are slated to commence as early as the fourth quarter of 2026.
Die Wünsche des Ministers
Deputy Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit also put forth personal recommendations, urging the airline to examine routes to potential areas that have been overlooked. Ranong and Trang were identified as new destinations in the proposals, alongside cross-regional connections such as from Khon Kaen to Hua Hin and from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin.
Such routes could facilitate a more equitable distribution of tourism’s economic impact across the country. Meanwhile, Hua Hin is also anticipating increased international arrivals, with specific plans to direct flights from Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore directly into the resort town.
Regional airports are preparing for a significantly larger influx of international visitors. The signals from the Ministry of Transport indicate a strong drive towards expansion. While considerable planning remains before the first new flights take off, the roadmap for enhanced regional connectivity is now firmly established.
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Source: Nation Thailand