Nok Air Submits Clarifications to Thai Regulator

Thailand’s low-cost carrier Nok Air has submitted detailed “clarification documents” to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) after the regulator restricted it to domestic operations over safety concerns. Filed on September 3, the response addresses all issues raised by CAAT, including flight operations, aircraft maintenance, personnel management and ongoing improvement measures to ensure compliance with international standards.

CAAT has said the restrictions could be lifted if Nok Air demonstrates full compliance, with a decision expected following the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) audit of Thailand on September 8. Until then, the airline’s planned launch of new international services from Bangkok Don Mueang to Nanjing, Nanning and Zhengzhou remains postponed indefinitely, according to ch-aviation data.

Nok Air emphasized its strong safety record, noting it has not experienced a fatal accident in its 21-year history. The carrier attributed recent pilot resignations to heightened competition from other Thai airlines rather than internal safety issues. Ch-aviation records show five accidents or incidents involving Nok Air aircraft since 2017, none resulting in casualties.

The airline currently operates 14 Boeing 737-800s and remains under court-supervised business rehabilitation as it works to stabilize operations and restore international service. Industry observers say demonstrating compliance with CAAT’s requirements and ICAO standards will be crucial for Nok Air to regain its international routes and rebuild passenger confidence. The filing signals the carrier’s intent to align with regulatory expectations and reinforce its safety credentials in Thailand’s competitive aviation market.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com