BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Airports is slashing landing and parking fees by 50 percent for airlines that open new routes or start service at provincial airports.
The New Route-New Airline program kicks off August 10, 2026 and runs through August 9, 2027. It targets both domestic and foreign carriers.
Half-price fees for new routes and new airlines
Airlines launching a route not previously served at an airport — or one suspended for at least 12 months — get halved landing and parking fees for twelve months.
Carriers that start operations at an airport for the first time, or return after at least a year away, receive the discount for six months.
Ministry aims to boost competition and cut ticket prices
The initiative comes from the Transport Ministry. Officials want to bring more airlines to destinations currently served by only one carrier.
More competition should improve quality and put pressure on ticket prices, the ministry said. But cheaper fees don’t automatically mean 50 percent cheaper tickets.
Final fares depend on each airline’s operating costs and market conditions.
said a DOA spokesperson.
Deputy minister touts benefits for provinces
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said the scheme aims to cut airline costs and boost travel, tourism, trade and investment in the provinces.
Higher capacity on routes could still push prices down, he indicated. The DOA frames this as part of its Airport for Regional Development strategy.
Six routes already used similar discounts in 2025
A similar program ran in 2025. DOA Director-General Danai Ruangsorn said six routes and two airlines took the discounts then.
Thai AirAsia launched flights from Bangkok to Buriram, Narathiwat and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Thai Lion Air started the Udon Thani–U-Tapao route. EZY Airlines connected Hat Yai with Betong and Surat Thani.
New operators at Nakhon Si Thammarat and Nakhon Phanom
Thai VietJet registered as a new operator at Nakhon Si Thammarat airport. Thai Lion Air got the same status at Nakhon Phanom airport.
Provincial airports must contribute more to regional economic growth, not just serve as transport hubs, the DOA said.