7-point plan for aviation hub push

Aerothai spearheads cost relief for airlines

PUBLISHED : 7 May 2026 at 05:34

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

WRITER: Post Reporters

- Small

- Medium

- Large

- 7

Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit has unveiled a seven-point policy framework aimed at transforming airspace management and positioning Thailand as a world-class aviation hub, while reducing operational costs for airlines by up to 30%.

Phattrapong: Modernising airspace

Speaking after visiting Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd (Aerothai) on Wednesday, Mr Phattrapong said the agency would spearhead efforts to modernise airspace management.

As an urgent measure amid energy volatility and geopolitical tensions, Aerothai has been instructed to cut air navigation service charges for domestic flights by 30%.

Airlines will also be granted extended credit terms for May and June, allowing them to pay 50% on schedule while deferring the balance by 30 days to ease liquidity pressures.

Mr Phattrapong said the seven policy pillars include cost reduction, improved air traffic flow management, accelerated public spending to stimulate the economy, and a continued emphasis on safety as the top priority.

Further measures focus on integrating strategies across aviation agencies, enhancing coordination on safety-related data such as meteorology, and fast-tracking infrastructure upgrades using advanced technologies to support future demand.

Sustainability principles, including environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations, will also be embedded across operations.

He said achieving world-class aviation status would require close collaboration among four key aviation bodies, covering infrastructure development, personnel training and service enhancement.

Surachai Nuprom, acting president of Aerothai, said current air traffic management practices already enable continuous climb and descent operations, reducing fuel consumption by 20–30% depending on weather conditions.

Route optimisation, including more direct flight paths developed in cooperation with neighbouring countries, is further lowering fuel use and flight times.

Two major projects are scheduled for completion in 2026: a new NAN–SAGAG route linking Thailand, Laos and China, and a direct routing initiative using performance-based navigation technology for overflights.

Thailand handles an average of 2,300 daily flights, slightly down year-on-year. Traffic is forecast to grow modestly in 2026, depending on global conditions, with long-term efforts focused on digital air traffic systems.

Subscribe to our newsletters for daily updates, breaking news and exclusive content.

- KEYWORDS

- Thailand aviation hub

- Aerothai

- Air traffic management

- Aviation infrastructure

- Flight route optimization

- Thailand air navigation

- Aviation policy