Passenger numbers expected to reach pre-pandemic levels as airlines tackle challenges and expand operations.
Thailand’s aviation industry is on track to recover fully this year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). The number of passengers is projected to rise by at least 25 million, bringing figures back to 2019 levels, said CAAT Director Suttipong Kongpool.
The industry initially aimed for full recovery in 2024 but faced delays due to a slower-than-expected return of Chinese travellers. Economic conditions in China contributed to the slow rebound.
In 2019, Thailand recorded 165 million air passengers across domestic and international routes. By 2024, the figure stood at 140 million, marking an 85.14% recovery.
Aircraft shortages have also impacted growth, leading airlines to lease planes. To ease the situation, the Transport Ministry has temporarily relaxed leasing regulations for six months, allowing carriers to lease aircraft with crews.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts Thailand’s aviation market will rise from 19th to 9th place globally by 2033. To support this growth, stakeholders must improve services, maintain safety standards, and complete infrastructure projects, said Suttipong.
In 2024, CAAT issued operation certificates for four public airports, granted three new Air Operating Licences (AOLs), renewed five AOLs, and provided four Air Operator Certificates (AOCs).
The agency also addressed high airfares by introducing over 70,000 seats on special flights during the New Year period, lowering prices compared to the previous year.
Efforts are underway to regain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Category 1 (CAT 1) status after Thailand was downgraded to Category 2 (CAT 2) in 2015 due to non-compliance with international aviation standards. Restoring this classification would allow Thai airlines to resume direct flights to the United States and increase flights to destinations such as Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
