Thailand’s Airports Brace For Peak Holiday Traffic As Special Flights And Fare Reductions Roll Out To Accommodate The Growing Number Of New Year Holiday Travelers

Published on December 26, 2025

Thailand’s air travel sector is experiencing an unprecedented surge ahead of the 2026 New Year holiday, with passenger numbers reaching near pre-pandemic levels. This surge in demand has prompted authorities to take proactive steps, including expanding seat capacity and reducing airfares, to ensure smooth travel during the peak period. As passenger volumes continue to climb, both domestic and international travel are seeing significant growth, and special flights have been arranged to accommodate the increased traffic. The government’s response aims to support both local and international travelers, offering them more affordable and accessible options for enjoying Thailand’s vibrant destinations this holiday season.

Air travel in Thailand has experienced a notable surge ahead of the 2026 New Year holiday, with passenger numbers steadily climbing throughout December. As a result, authorities have taken several measures to expand seat capacity and lower airfares to accommodate the increase in travelers, ensuring that the upcoming holiday season runs smoothly for both domestic and international passengers.

By December 21, Thai airports had processed approximately 479,979 passengers. This total included roughly 208,040 domestic travelers and 271,939 international passengers. The overall passenger volume is nearing pre-pandemic levels, and the authorities predict a sharp increase in traffic between December 27 and January 4. The ongoing recovery of air travel in Thailand is evident as passenger numbers approach or even exceed pre-pandemic figures, with domestic and international markets both seeing growth.

International travel between Thailand and China has shown significant improvement. Approximately 19,852 passengers traveled between Thailand and China by December 21, accounting for about 75 percent of pre-COVID passenger traffic. Additionally, travelers arriving from India reached 10,616, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by approximately 10 percent. This growth in international travel is a strong indicator of Thailand’s growing attractiveness as a destination for tourists, especially from neighboring countries in Asia.

On the domestic front, air travel also remained robust, with Don Mueang Airport handling an average of 63,981 passengers per day. This made Don Mueang the busiest airport in Thailand in terms of daily domestic flights. Suvarnabhumi Airport, which serves as a major hub for international and domestic travel, saw approximately 36,499 passengers per day. Other regional airports, including Chiang Mai and Phuket, each served around 20,000 passengers daily. This sustained demand across both primary and secondary airports highlights the continued strength of domestic travel in Thailand.

In response to the increased travel demand, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) arranged 66 special flights to expand capacity. These additional flights added a total of 11,312 seats on routes connecting Bangkok to several popular destinations such as Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Trang, and Samui. These new flights are designed to provide more options for travelers, particularly during peak travel periods when demand typically exceeds available capacity.

Alongside the addition of special flights, airlines have also made efforts to lower ticket prices. They have reduced fares by up to 30 percent from the maximum ceiling price, offering 36,620 discounted seats across 202 flights on 11 popular routes. These routes include services from Bangkok to destinations such as Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Phuket, Chumphon, and other major tourist spots. By making these routes more affordable, airlines hope to make air travel more accessible to a larger segment of the population and encourage more people to travel domestically during the holiday season.

To support the growing demand, several support agencies have implemented additional measures. Airports of Thailand, for example, has reduced landing and parking charges by 30 percent for flights participating in the special flight program. This reduction is aimed at easing the financial burden on airlines and promoting more affordable travel options. Furthermore, the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand has lowered air navigation service charges for domestic special flights operating through January 4. These actions are intended to keep operating costs down and ensure that airlines can offer competitive fares to passengers during the busy travel period.

The Department of Airports has also taken steps to manage the surge in passenger numbers by extending operational hours. This extended schedule will help accommodate the increased volume of flights and passengers, allowing airports to remain open longer to handle more arrivals and departures. The extra operational time ensures that airports can maintain smooth and efficient services during the busy holiday season.

Travelers planning to fly during this period are encouraged to take advantage of the discounted fares and expanded flight options. They are advised to book tickets directly from airlines, as this often offers the best deals and the most up-to-date information on available seats. Additionally, travelers should remain flexible with their travel dates to secure the best possible fares, as demand for flights is expected to peak during the end-of-year holiday period.

Thailand’s air travel is experiencing a significant surge ahead of the 2026 New Year holiday, driven by increased demand as passenger numbers approach pre-pandemic levels. In response, authorities are expanding seat capacity and reducing fares to accommodate the growing influx of travelers.

In summary, Thailand’s air travel sector is experiencing a strong recovery heading into the 2026 New Year holiday season. With both domestic and international passenger numbers on the rise, the government and airline operators are making concerted efforts to accommodate the increased demand. By expanding seat capacity, lowering airfares, and implementing additional support measures, they aim to ensure that travelers have a smooth and affordable experience during this busy period. With special flights and discounted fares available, it is an excellent time for both locals and tourists to enjoy Thailand’s vibrant destinations and warm hospitality.