UDON THANI, Nov 25 (TNA) – Deputy Transport Minister Thaworn Senneam plans to raise flights at 29 airports under the Department of Airports (DoA) by 8-10% yearly to promote tourism in second-tier provinces.
He aired his policy while presiding over the launch of Thai VietJet’s flight service on the Suvarnabhumi-Udon Thani route. He said he would push for more flights and passengers using the 29 provincial airports. He wished the flight frequencies and passengers would rise by 8-10% a year from the level of 32 million passengers the 29 airports were serving annually.
Mr Thaworn said his policy would significantly promote tourism in second-tier provinces. It would add to the Transport Ministry’s policy to market OTOP local products at the passenger terminals of the 29 airports.
“The increase in flights and passengers using DoA airports is possible. DoA’s airports are attractive to tourists including Mae Sot, Betong, Udon Thani and Krabi airports. All of them have potential,” Mr Thaworn said.
Thai VietJet chief executive Worada Tangsuebsakul said the airline planned more flights from U-Tapao airport to regional destinations including China and Vietnam.
Thai VietJet operates on seven domestic routes from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi and Udon Thani and from Chiang Rai to Phuket and Udon Thani. It also operates on 17 international routes from Thailand to Vietnam, Taiwan and China. (TNA)
