Sarun Benjanirat, the deputy director of CAAT, announced that a total of 38 additional flights have been scheduled around the festival timeframe, elevating the total number of special flights to 104. This augmentation will provide an extra 17,874 seats, offering more travel opportunities for festival-goers and reducing the strain on regular flight services.
The Songkran Festival, renowned for its water splashing festivities, signifies the Thai New Year, marking a period of renewal and celebration across the country. Traditionally, it is a time when many Thais travel back to their hometowns to spend time with their families, leading to a significant spike in travel demand. The festival’s timing, falling in mid-April, coincides with one of Thailand’s hottest months, making the water festivities a welcome relief from the heat.
To cater to the diversified travel needs during Songkran, flights have been scheduled to major airports including Phuket, Chiang Mai, Samui, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen, primarily on April 11-12 and again on April 15-16. This scheduling strategy aligns with the Cabinet’s decision to extend the Thai New Year holiday to five days, from April 12 to 16, facilitating a longer celebration period and encouraging domestic tourism.
In a bid to make air travel more accessible during this peak season, airlines are introducing special airfare discounts on all domestic routes. These promotions are especially significant in the context of Songkran, as they enable more people to partake in the nationwide festivities by making air travel a more affordable option. Passengers can expect up to a 20% discount on normal ticket prices, a move that is anticipated to counteract the traditionally high airfare prices seen during festival periods.
Moreover, many of these special flights are scheduled to operate outside of the regular timetable, including early morning or late-night flights, to provide additional flexibility and options for travelers. This initiative not only addresses the issue of high demand but also promotes a more balanced distribution of travel flow, potentially easing congestion at airports and on popular routes.
Thailand’s airlines, in coordination with CAAT, are demonstrating a proactive approach to enhancing the travel experience during one of the nation’s most significant festivals. By increasing flight availability and offering special discounts, they are ensuring that the spirit of Songkran can be shared by more people, both domestically and internationally. This effort underscores the importance of the festival in Thai culture, as well as the aviation industry’s role in supporting national celebrations and the broader tourism economy. As Songkran approaches, these measures are set to facilitate memorable journeys for thousands, embodying the festival’s ethos of cleansing, renewal, and joyful reunion.
Tags: Thailand, aviation, airlines, Sarun Benjanirat, Civil Aviation Office of Thailand (CAAT), Songkran Festival
