Kunming charter flights set to boost Udon Thani tourism
Twice-weekly Lucky Air charters from Kunming will bring Chinese visitors directly to Udon Thani and spread tourism income across the upper Northeast.
Lucky Air will launch twice-weekly charter flights between Kunming and Udon Thani on September 8, opening a direct route for Chinese visitors to Thailand’s upper Northeast and supporting efforts to distribute tourism revenue more widely across the region.
The service will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays until October 22, 2026, using a Boeing 737-800 with 189 seats.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana said the connection would make travel between China and the upper Northeast more convenient while bringing passengers and tourists directly into the area.
New gateway for Chinese visitors
The government expects the route to generate income for tourism businesses, hotels, restaurants, transport providers and other local operators.
By bringing visitors directly to Udon Thani, the charter service forms part of the government’s policy of using regional airports as gateways for tourism and local economic activity.
The announced flight schedule is:
- Flight 8L867: departs Kunming at 4.50pm and arrives in Udon Thani at 5.50pm.
- Flight 8L868: departs Udon Thani at 6.50pm and arrives in Kunming at 9.50pm.
The timetable remains subject to changes under Lucky Air’s operational plans.
Airport prepares for international passengers
The Ministry of Transport and the Department of Airports are coordinating with immigration, customs and public transport authorities to prepare for passengers arriving on the international service.
The work includes arrangements for passenger processing and onward transport from Udon Thani Airport to other areas.
The airport is also scheduled to receive its Public Aerodrome Operating Certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand on September 2.
If certification proceeds as planned, Udon Thani will become the sixth airport under the Department of Airports to hold the certificate, after Betong, Buri Ram, Surat Thani, Phitsanulok and Krabi.
The certification is intended to ensure that the airport’s operations comply with the relevant requirements and aviation safety standards.
Incentive supports new international route
Lucky Air will receive a 50% discount on aircraft landing and parking charges for one year under the Department of Airports’ 2026 programme to promote new domestic and international routes.
The incentive is designed to encourage airlines to open services linking Thailand’s regional airports with overseas destinations.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit has promoted regional airport development under the Airport for Regional Development policy, which combines higher safety standards with expanded air links.
The government wants regional airports to support growth in tourism, trade and investment while giving local economies a greater share of the benefits from international travel.
