Thai AirAsia will relocate all flights back to Don Mueang Airport starting October 1, 2024, as part of Thailand’s plan to enhance its status as a regional aviation hub. After consultations with Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, Thai AirAsia X (flight code XJ) will resume services at Don Mueang Airport (DMK).
The move includes direct flights to and from several key destinations: Seoul, South Korea; Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Japan; Shanghai, China; and Sydney, Australia. This decision aims to leverage the extensive flight networks available at Don Mueang, enhancing connectivity and offering greater convenience to passengers.
Mr. Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia X, expressed that returning to Don Mueang Airport feels like coming home. He highlighted Thai AirAsia’s robust presence, with over 40% market share on domestic routes and a comprehensive international network covering China, India, South Asia, ASEAN, Japan, Taipei, and Kaohsiung. The network comprises over 93 routes and 1,250 flights per week, providing ample opportunities for flight connections or Fly Thru services.
Passengers with existing bookings on Thai AirAsia X (flight code XJ) from October 1, 2024, will have their flights automatically adjusted to Don Mueang Airport. They will be notified directly via email, SMS, or other channels starting August 1 to ensure a smooth transition.
Currently, Thai AirAsia X operates a fleet of 8 Airbus A330s, with plans to expand to 11 by the end of 2024. The airline intends to add 3-5 aircraft annually to increase flight frequency and introduce new routes for continuous growth.
Thai AirAsia (flight code FD), which is based at Suvarnabhumi Airport and serves routes to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, and Kuala Lumpur (flight code D7), will continue its operations from Suvarnabhumi.
Mr. Tassapon Bijleveld noted that the relocation to Don Mueang will enhance the overall passenger experience by facilitating smoother connections with AirAsia’s domestic and international flights, ultimately supporting Thailand’s goal of becoming a leading aviation hub in the region.
