Incentive measures improve results of Airports of Thailand (AOT)
Airports of Thailand (AOT) has achieved impressive results in 2024, thanks to Thai government measures. With a 118% increase in profits and growing passenger numbers at six major airports, AOT has returned to near pre-pandemic levels. The recovery in the aviation and tourism sectors continues, with an optimistic outlook for 2025 and a continued focus on sustainable growth.
Facial recognition for all airline passengers from December
From December, international travellers at six major Thai airports will be able to check in faster using facial recognition. The biometric technology will reduce waiting times and eliminate the need for passports and boarding passes at checkpoints. The innovative service promises a smoother travel experience, while protecting users’ privacy by automatically erasing data within 48 hours.
Etihad Airways will add seven new Asian destinations to its network from November 2025, including Chiang Mai and Krabi in Thailand. With this expansion, the airline is responding to the growing demand for unique travel experiences and is making significant strides towards its ambitious 2025 targets. Find out what these new routes have to offer!
Thai Airways resumes direct flights between Bangkok and Brussels
After a four-year absence, Thai Airways is returning to the Bangkok-Brussels route. From 1 December, the airline will once again offer daily flights with a modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This restart strengthens the important economic and tourist connection between Thailand and Europe, with Brussels as a strategic hub in Western Europe.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited Suvarnabhumi Airport to inspect preparations for the peak tourist season. With advanced biometric technology and efficient processes, Thailand aims to smoothly handle the flow of tourists and leave a positive impression, with cooperation and technological innovation at the core.
Thailand has launched an ambitious plan to position Suvarnabhumi Airport among the world’s top 20 airports within five years. Innovations such as biometric technology, additional terminals and sustainability targets are set to improve capacity and passenger experience, further cementing Thailand as an aviation hub.
Suvarnabhumi Airport's third runway officially in use
Since November 1, 2024, Suvarnabhumi Airport has its third runway operational, increasing capacity from 68 to 94 flights per hour. With this expansion, together with the new satellite terminal and a planned eastern extension, the airport aims to improve traffic flow and achieve an annual capacity of 65 million passengers.
Bangkok Airways is reconnecting northern and southern Thailand with direct flights between Chiang Mai and Krabi, just in time for the peak season. With a new three-times-weekly frequency and additional flights between Bangkok and Krabi, the airline is responding to growing traveller demand and promoting tourism in the popular coastal region.
With the 65th anniversary of the first flight from Hamburg to Bangkok, Lufthansa celebrates its long-standing commitment to travel and cultural exchange between Europe and Asia. Since 1959, Lufthansa has played a major role in Thai aviation and continues to lead the way today with multiple weekly flights and new luxury travel experiences.
AirAsia expands with five new routes: including Phu Quoc in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia
With the festive season fast approaching, AirAsia is tapping into the growing travel bug by adding five new international routes from Thailand. With new flights to popular destinations in India, Vietnam and Cambodia, the airline is poised for growth as it looks to hit its target of 21 million passengers this year.
After a four-year absence, British Airways is returning to Bangkok, a popular destination for both leisure and business travellers. With three weekly flights from London and a partnership with Bangkok Airways, the airline offers a wide range of connections to other destinations in Thailand and Cambodia. This strengthens the connections between Europe and South East Asia, ideal for those seeking adventure and convenience.
Schiphol increases port charges significantly: airline tickets become more expensive
Schiphol will increase airport charges by 37 percent over the next three years, making airline tickets more expensive. Airlines, which pass these costs on to passengers, will pay an average of 2027 euros extra per departing passenger from 15. Despite a voluntary contribution of 100 million euros by Schiphol itself, airlines are critical and are considering an appeal to the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets.
Emirates to deploy double the number of A380s on Schiphol – Dubai route for more luxury and capacity
Emirates now flies twice daily with the comfortable Airbus A380 between Schiphol and Dubai, replacing the Boeing 777 on EK149/EK150. Customers will enjoy wider seats in Economy, aisle access in Business, and luxury showers in First Class. An upgrade that makes the journey to Dubai and beyond even more attractive!
Starting in November, travellers at six major Thai airports will be able to use biometric facial recognition for a smoother check-in experience. Passengers will only need to give their consent once, speeding up future check-ins. With additional automation in baggage and ticketing, Thailand is taking a step towards more modern and efficient airport technology.
Thai Airways expands winter schedule with new route (Bangkok-Brussels) and higher frequencies
Thai Airways is introducing an expanded schedule and more flights to 64 destinations worldwide this winter. With new connections, such as the daily flight to Brussels, and increased frequencies on popular routes, the airline is responding to the growing demand. In this way, Thai Airways offers travellers more choice and flexibility, both on intercontinental and regional and domestic routes.
Thai Airways takes major step towards financial recovery with new restructuring plan
Thai Airways International has filed a detailed 2.000-page restructuring plan with Thai stock exchange regulators to reduce its debt burden and restore investor confidence. After a period of downsizing, the airline aims to exit its recovery process in February 2025. Despite the cuts, THAI managed to post an impressive net profit, indicating a successful transformation and progress toward a sustainable future.
Schiphol experiences busiest month since 2019: August shows clear growth
August turned out to be Schiphol's busiest month since 2019, with 6,4 million passengers. That is an increase of 6 percent compared to last year and shows that the airport is almost back to pre-corona levels. With more than 43.000 flights in August, aviation is clearly recovering, and 2025 is expected to be a new record year.
National strike largely paralyses Brussels Airport on October 1
On 1 October, Brussels Airport is threatened with a nationwide strike by security personnel. Due to the limited security checks, the airport is barely operational. Brussels Airlines, the largest company at the airport, cancels almost all of its flights as a result. Passengers are informed and offered an alternative, but must expect considerable delays.
Qatar Airways increases number of flights to Schiphol this winter and with it the transfer options to Bangkok
From 12 November, Qatar Airways will increase its flight frequency to Schiphol to fourteen flights per week. This is an increase compared to the previously planned ten flights and is in response to the growing demand. The airline expects to transport around 40.000 extra passengers between Doha and Amsterdam this winter, using both Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s.
Schiphol does not have to shrink as much to reduce noise pollution, according to the new government
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is presenting a package of measures to reduce noise pollution around Schiphol by 17%. Stricter noise standards, fewer night flights and new, quieter aircraft should ensure a better balance between aviation and the living environment. KLM and Transavia promise to renew their fleets quickly. The plan is now being advised by the European Commission.
Schiphol has unveiled the largest investment plan in its history, with a budget of 6 billion euros for the next five years. This ambitious project focuses on modernizing the infrastructure, improving working conditions and increasing the quality of service. The plan includes large-scale renovations and new construction projects that will prepare the airport for the future.
Following a significant increase in passengers at Samui Airport, Bangkok Airways has announced it will increase the number of daily flights and expand the airport infrastructure. The airport saw a 22% growth in passenger numbers, indicating a strong recovery from COVID-19. The planned expansions are intended to support tourism growth on Koh Samui and southern Thailand.