Thai aviation surges during Chinese New Year with nearly 3,000 flights a day
Thailand’s aviation industry sees an 8.3% increase in international flights during the Chinese New Year period, with flights from China topping the charts. The government is ready to manage air traffic efficiently to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Thailand's aviation sector has witnessed a significant rise in flights during the Chinese New Year period, with nearly 3,000 flights a day between February 17 and 26, 2026. According to the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd (AEROTHAI), the total number of flights during this period is expected to reach 29,096 flights, reflecting an 8.3% increase compared to the same period last year.
Surachai Nuprom, Executive Vice President and Acting President of AEROTHAI, reported that flight operations started ramping up before the Chinese New Year holidays, with the average number of daily flights at 2,895—a 7% increase from the same period last year. Some days even saw flights exceeding 3,000 per day.
The increase in flights is a clear indicator of the growing demand for travel during this festive period, with China-Thailand routes showing the highest number of daily flights, at around 330 flights a day. This marks a significant recovery in air traffic, particularly in the wake of global events.
Key Flight Routes and Airport Traffic
Thailand’s main airports are experiencing considerable traffic during the holidays:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport: 1,150 flights daily
- Don Mueang Airport: 700 flights daily
- Phuket Airport: 380 flights daily
- Chiang Mai Airport: 220 flights daily
These figures highlight Thailand's growing stature as a key international travel hub, with tourism being a primary driver of this growth. Despite global challenges, China, India, and Malaysia are the top source markets for inbound international travellers.
Preparedness and Efficiency in Air Traffic Management
AEROTHAI is ensuring smooth operations during this peak period by implementing strategic measures in Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM). This includes coordinating with all related agencies and preparing for potential emergency situations, ensuring that every flight entering Thai airspace is handled efficiently and safely.
AEROTHAI has been collaborating closely with the Slot Allocation Committee to align flight schedules with airport capacity, and it has made adjustments to accommodate the growing volume of air traffic during the Chinese New Year period.
Surachai emphasised the importance of managing air traffic effectively to maintain a high standard of safety while facilitating the increase in flights. This is a significant milestone for the aviation and tourism industries in Thailand, providing a strong foundation for continued growth.
With Chinese New Year marking a peak in air traffic, the Thai government is focused on supporting the industry’s long-term growth by ensuring continued investment in aviation infrastructure, digital transformation, and tourism promotion.
The Chinese market continues to be one of the strongest sources of foreign visitors, and as international travel recovers globally, Thailand is positioning itself as a key player in the global aviation network. With Thailand’s tourism and economy benefiting from the influx of foreign visitors, the nation’s aviation infrastructure and safety standards are well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
As Thailand looks ahead to a post-pandemic world, these figures demonstrate the vibrant resilience of the aviation sector and the tourism industry, which will continue to support the country’s position as a leading destination for global travel.
