Lucky Air launch delay disrupts Udon Thani–Kunming tours
Two tour operators promise immediate full refunds for September trips affected by cancellations on Lucky Air’s Udon Thani–Kunming route.
Lucky Air’s planned charter service between Kunming in China and Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand will not launch on September 8, disrupting tour departures and prompting two operators to promise full refunds to affected customers.
The airline announced on Sunday (September 6, 2026) that it could not operate the inaugural Kunming–Udon Thani–Kunming service as scheduled.
Tour operators Maxtour Education and Journey Ticket said they had received confirmation from Lucky Air that September flights from Udon Thani to Kunming were cancelled, leaving their tours unable to depart as arranged.
In a letter to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Yunnan Lucky Air Co., Ltd apologised for the failed launch and attributed the disruption to what it described as a serious breach of its commercial agreement by its charter partner.
Full refunds without waiting for airline reimbursement
Maxtour Education and Journey Ticket each pledged to refund immediately and in full the tour payments received from customers booked on affected programmes. Neither company would wait for the airline’s reimbursement process before returning customers’ money.
Both operators said they were awaiting formal cancellation letters from Lucky Air, which they had been told would be issued by Monday (September 7).
With some groups approaching their departure dates, the companies said they were notifying customers in advance rather than waiting for the documents, giving travellers more time to prepare and change their plans.
The operators apologised for the disruption and said the cancellations were an airline decision beyond their control. Staff would contact affected customers directly to arrange refunds.
Airline alleges breach of charter agreement
Lucky Air said the route was being organised under a charter partnership and that its partner’s alleged failure to fulfil the agreement had prevented the flights from proceeding.
The airline said it acted immediately after the problem emerged, repeatedly asking the partner to honour its obligations and exploring alternative operating arrangements to preserve the launch date. Despite those efforts, it said the conditions needed to begin services had not been met.
The letter did not identify the charter partner accused of breaching the agreement.
Lucky Air acknowledged the interest and support the route had received from CAAT and the Udon Thani provincial authorities. It said Udon Thani Airport had secured approval for international flights and had actively assisted with flight operations and marketing.
The airline apologised for the inconvenience and adverse effects on CAAT, the provincial authorities, airport management and Udon Thani Airport. It also thanked the authorities for their continuing assistance.
No revised launch date
Lucky Air said it had operated in the China–Thailand aviation market for many years and had intended the Kunming–Udon Thani connection to become a key route serving northeastern Thailand.
The carrier said it would strengthen its operating capabilities and systems supporting marketing and passenger services. It also expressed its intention to maintain close cooperation with Thai authorities and support aviation and tourism ties between China and Thailand.
Lucky Air said it would launch the route as soon as the necessary conditions were met. Its letter gave no replacement start date.
