BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai AirAsia has suspended all domestic flights from Suvarnabhumi International Airport with immediate effect. Nine affected routes will operate entirely from Don Mueang Airport until September 30.
The budget carrier grounded every domestic flight from Suvarnabhumi as of July 15. Passengers are now being processed at the airline’s old home base, Don Mueang.
Thai AirAsia plans to return to Bangkok’s main international airport on October 1.
Fuel costs have more than tripled
Phairat Pornpathananangoon, CEO of Thai AirAsia, spoke bluntly to Scandasia.
Aviation fuel represents our primary operating expense.
said Phairat, CEO of Thai AirAsia.
Kerosene prices have shot up more than three times, forcing the airline to cut flight frequencies and axe unprofitable routes. The complete move away from Suvarnabhumi is part of that cost-saving drive.
Capacity already shrunk by 30 percent in spring
The radical move follows a noticeable downsizing. In May and June, Thai AirAsia had already reduced capacity on many routes by an average of 30 percent.
Back then, weak travel demand over the year ranked as the second cost driver. The airline had announced that first major cut in April.
Whole industry suffers from price spiral
Thai AirAsia is not alone in this hit. Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air and Thai VietJet Air have also cut routes or raised ticket prices.
The Transport Ministry summoned airline chiefs for a crisis meeting in May. A temporary reduction of the excise tax on aviation fuel was on the table to calm the situation.
What affected passengers need to know now
Anyone holding a Thai AirAsia domestic ticket for Suvarnabhumi in the coming weeks must re-route. The airline asks all customers to contact them directly for rebooking.
Flights will continue via Don Mueang. Passengers should clarify entitlements and options directly with the airline.
Checked bags may now be opened without the passenger
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is tightening security. New rules allow staff to open suitcases without the traveller present.
The measure applies when X-ray screening detects potentially dangerous items. Previously, passengers were usually present when bags were opened.