Thai AirAsia Expands Suvarnabhumi Flights, Cautious on China

Thai AirAsia plans to expand its domestic presence at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, aiming for around 20% of its domestic operations to depart from the hub. The carrier highlighted in its half-year report that Thailand remains a key growth market, even as international headwinds weigh on recovery.

The airline said that while increased competition has softened fares, government incentives such as the “Travel Thai Half-Half” campaign will help sustain demand. Currently, Suvarnabhumi accounts for about 19.2% of Thai AirAsia’s domestic flights, behind Don Mueang at 72.7% and Chiang Mai at 24.8%. Suvarnabhumi operations remain entirely domestic, with all international services from Bangkok concentrated at Don Mueang.

International demand, particularly from China, remains a concern. The airline noted that Chinese arrivals dropped by over one-third in the first seven months of 2025 compared to 2019. For the first time in 12 years, full-year Chinese visitor numbers are projected to fall below five million, less than half the 2019 peak of 11 million. Thai AirAsia said a meaningful rebound is unlikely without stronger government policies or improved traveler safety perceptions.

Despite the challenges, the LCC will grow capacity by 15–20% in the second half of 2025, with a focus on high-growth markets such as India and Vietnam. It also emphasized the profitability of its fifth-freedom routes, which currently outperform most direct international services.

Thai AirAsia operates 62 aircraft and expects delivery of two additional A321-200NX jets by year-end, scaling back from its original plan of four.

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