AirAsia Expands Global Reach with New Flights from Bangkok and Chiang Mai Offering Unmatched Access Across Asia and Middle East

Published on December 4, 2025

AirAsia is starting December 2025 with a significant network expansion, unveiling five new routes from Thailand designed to improve travel options for domestic, regional, and international passengers. Both AirAsia Thailand and AirAsia X Thailand are part of this move, which underscores the airline’s ongoing commitment to connecting key cities across Asia and the Middle East while enhancing Thailand’s position as a major travel hub.

On the domestic and regional front, AirAsia Thailand has introduced two new services starting December 1, 2025. The Chiang Mai–Udon Thani route, operating four times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, links the cultural hub of northern Thailand with the economic center of the northeast. This route provides a practical and affordable option for business travelers, tourists, and domestic visitors looking to explore the diversity of Thailand’s regions.

Another important regional service now connects Bangkok Don Mueang Airport to Luang Prabang in Laos, continuing onward to Hanoi in Vietnam. By utilizing fifth freedom rights under open-sky agreements among Mekong countries, this route offers travelers the convenience of visiting multiple countries in a single journey. The service supports tourism, cross-border business opportunities, and cultural exchanges across Southeast Asia, giving passengers a seamless travel experience through Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

In parallel, AirAsia X Thailand has launched three international routes from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport starting December 3, 2025. These include Bangkok–Sendai in Japan, Bangkok–Almaty in Kazakhstan, and Bangkok–Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, with each route operating four times weekly. Flights to Sendai and Almaty run on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, while Riyadh operates on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. These services expand Thailand’s connectivity to East Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, opening up new possibilities for leisure travel, business trips, and cultural exploration.

The Bangkok–Sendai route introduces a convenient link to Japan’s Tohoku region, a destination known for natural scenery and historical landmarks, appealing to both Thai travelers and Japanese visitors. Bangkok–Almaty strengthens ties between Thailand and Kazakhstan, providing a new avenue for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. Meanwhile, the Bangkok–Riyadh route opens access to the Middle East, catering to travelers interested in business, tourism, and religious journeys.

This five-route expansion represents a strategic step to broaden AirAsia’s reach while enhancing passenger choice and travel flexibility. The integration of domestic, regional, and international destinations ensures that a diverse range of travelers—including leisure tourists, business commuters, and cultural explorers—benefit from improved connectivity. The move also supports Thailand’s broader goals of increasing tourism, facilitating trade, and promoting the country as a key aviation hub in Asia.

Passengers on these new routes can expect AirAsia’s well-known low-cost services, which combine affordability with convenience. With modern aircraft, efficient flight schedules, and seamless operations, the airline is committed to providing a smooth travel experience. These enhancements offer passengers more options, competitive pricing, and reliable service across short-haul and long-haul journeys.

The introduction of international services to Sendai, Almaty, and Riyadh strengthens Thailand’s global connectivity, while the new domestic and regional routes, including Chiang Mai–Udon Thani and Bangkok–Luang Prabang–Hanoi, reinforce accessibility within Southeast Asia. Together, these routes support tourism growth, cross-border commerce, and international cultural engagement, creating more opportunities for travel in and out of Thailand.

With these new additions, AirAsia continues to position itself as a leading low-cost carrier in the region. The expanded network allows passengers to explore Thailand, neighboring countries, and key international destinations with ease. As the airline enhances its route offerings, travelers can enjoy greater flexibility, improved convenience, and an extensive network that bridges Asia and the Middle East.

Mr. Santisuk Klongchaiya, Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia, said: “Launching five inaugural flights on the same day is truly exciting for both Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X. It reflects the strong recovery of travel demand during this festive season. These new routes not only bring more inbound tourists to Thailand but also create fantastic new travel opportunities for Thai travelers—whether it’s exploring Japan, discovering Central Asia, experiencing Saudi Arabia, or flying conveniently between Chiang Mai and Udon Thani.

Our new domestic cross-regional route directly connects Northern and Northeastern Thailand, saving time and making travel much more convenient. We’re thrilled to bring even more value, accessibility, and choices to all travelers.” added Klongchaiya.

Mrs. Pattra Boosarawongse, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Airasia X, who joined the inaugural Bangkok Don Mueang–Almaty flight and held a media briefing in Almaty, said: “I am delighted that Thai AirAsia X can launch several new routes at the same time. Today, we are ready to welcome travelers to Almaty, Riyadh, and Sendai, offering them unique and exciting travel experiences they won’t forget.“