Thai Airways told to add flights to secondary airports

Thai Airways International cabin crew walk through the terminal at Suvarnabhumi airport. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

The Transport Ministry wants Thai Airways International to increase domestic flights and open new international routes to secondary domestic destinations popular with foreign tourists.The proposal was floated at a recent meeting between Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit and THAI executives, deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said on Sunday.

They discussed increased utilisation of local airports and the flag carrier feeding more foreign travellers to secondary tourist destinations.

THAI currently flies to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Hat Yai, Krabi and Phuket, according to its website.

The government wanted the airline to increase services to Krabi and Ubon Thani, and add Nakhon Si Thammarat to the list, Ms Lalida said.