Nok Air Banned From International Routes Over Safety

Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has suspended Nok Air from operating international flights and halted all expansion plans after identifying multiple safety violations. The low-cost carrier must resolve the deficiencies before resuming international services, the regulator said.

CAAT Director-General Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon confirmed on August 29, 2025, that the airline failed to meet safety standards during compliance checks aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The move comes amid ICAO’s ongoing audit of Thailand’s aviation system, running through September 8, 2025.

Regulators cited a series of incidents from 2023 to 2025, including engine shutdowns, runway excursions, hard landings, and tail strikes. Of particular concern were repeated in-flight engine shutdowns, with root causes still undetermined. CAAT also flagged widespread staff resignations, including pilots, instructors, and inspectors, as signs of deeper organizational issues affecting safety culture and morale.

The agency said Nok Air must present solutions within one week to lift the suspension. Until then, the airline is prohibited from launching new routes or resuming international flights.

CEO Wutthiphum Jurangkool responded that Nok Air has not flown international routes since June 2025 but continues operating domestic services under strict oversight. He emphasized that the airline adheres to CAAT- and IATA-approved maintenance standards and works closely with Boeing and regulators to maintain safety.

Based at Bangkok Don Muang International Airport, Nok Air operates 14 Boeing 737-800s. Before the suspension, it served 21 destinations across three countries.

Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=nok+air

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aerotime.aero