Bangkok: Thai Lion Air has launched a new direct flight route from Don Mueang to Nakhon Phanom, aimed at boosting tourism in the upper northeastern region and the Mekong River Basin border region. Expectations are high, with passenger numbers projected to increase by over 32% following the initiation of this service.
According to Thai News Agency, Mrs. Manop Jareonsri, Deputy Minister of Transport, expressed that the inaugural flight, set to commence public service on June 19, represents a successful implementation of the ‘Transportation for Opportunity of Thailand’ policy. This initiative aligns with the ‘New Route – New Airline’ measure by the Department of Airports (DoA), encouraging airlines to establish routes to airports under its jurisdiction. The government’s strategy is to distribute income to regions with tourism potential, focusing on secondary provinces. This new route is part of the tourism development plan for the upper northeastern provinces, known as the ‘Fun’ provinces group, which includes Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan. The service aims to facilitate convenient and quick travel to these areas, promote weekend and short trips, and create opportunities for multi-country tourism routes connecting regional attractions with Laos and Vietnam via the 3rd Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge.
Mr. Danai Ruangson, Director-General of the Department of Airports, stated that Nakhon Phanom Airport’s current passenger terminal can handle 600 passengers per hour, translating to 1.7 million people annually. The airport’s runway measures 2,500 x 45 meters, and its aircraft parking area can accommodate three B737/A320 aircraft simultaneously. The car park has a capacity of 140 cars. With Thai Lion Air’s service starting in June, projections for 2025 indicate an 18.48% increase in flights and a 32.99% rise in passengers compared to 2024. Currently, Nakhon Phanom Airport hosts six round-trip flights per day between Don Mueang and Nakhon Phanom, including four flights from Thai Air Asia and two from Thai Lion Air.
The Director-General emphasized that the Airport Authority of Thailand (AOT) has implemented the policy championed by Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport. The aim is to transform Thailand into an aviation hub by enhancing the capacity of airports under its supervision. The focus is on readiness to accommodate increasing flights and passengers and integrating modern technology alongside services that meet international standards.