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AOT: Songkran 2026 Flights Exceed 2,500 Daily, Focus on Domestic

AOT: Songkran 2026 Flights Exceed 2,500 Daily, Focus on Domestic

Matichon•Economy•2d ago

Reader Briefing

Aeronautical Radio of Thailand anticipates a surge in daily flights during the Songkran 2026 festival, emphasizing preparedness for increased domestic travel.

  • •The Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AOT) forecasts an average of 2,562 flights per day during the Songkran festival from April 10-19, 2026.
  • •This projection shows a 1.8% increase compared to the previous year, with a significant concentration of flights at major airports like Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
  • •Domestic travel will form the majority of flights, and AOT has implemented measures to manage air traffic flow, enhance efficiency, and ensure safety throughout the period.

Overview

  • •Between April 10 and April 19, 2026, the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AOT) expects a high volume of flights.
  • •The AOT projects an average of 2,562 flights per day during the Songkran festival period, a 1.8% increase from the previous year.
  • •This increased flight volume is due to the continuous rise in public travel during the Songkran festival.
  • •Principal flight activity is expected to be concentrated at key airports, including Suvarnabhumi (1,050 flights/day), Don Mueang (692 flights/day), Phuket (298 flights/day), and Chiang Mai (193 flights/day).
  • •Peak travel periods are anticipated between 09:00-11:00 and 16:00-19:00 daily, with airlines scheduling flights and passengers choosing to travel during these times.
  • •Surachai Nuphrom, Acting President of AOT, stated that the organization has prepared extensively to accommodate the anticipated flight volumes.
  • •The travel pattern for Songkran 2026 is expected to remain primarily domestic flights, supporting the AOT's preparedness.
  • •The AOT has implemented advanced air traffic management strategies, including Air Traffic Flow Management, to ensure smooth operations and minimize congestion.

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Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Quotes

Surachai Nuphrom
"The Aeronautical Radio of Thailand is prepared to handle flight volumes during the Songkran festival."
วิทยุการบินฯ ได้เตรียมความพร้อมรองรับปริมาณเที่ยวบินช่วงเทศกาลสงกรานต์
Surachai Nuphrom
"The travel pattern during the Songkran festival of 2026 will continue to be predominantly domestic flights."
รูปแบบการเดินทางในช่วงเทศกาลสงกรานต์ปี 2026 นี้ ยังคงเป็นเที่ยวบินภายในประเทศเป็นสัดส่วนหลัก

Key Entities

Organization

Aeronautical Radio of Thailand(บวท.)ℹ️
The organization responsible for air traffic control in Thailand that projects flight volumes for Songkran 2026.
Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Company Limited(บริษัท วิทยุการบินแห่งประเทศไทย จำกัด)ℹ️
The full legal name of the organization responsible for air traffic control in Thailand.

Person

Surachai Nuphrom(สุรชัย หนูพรหม)
Acting President (รองกรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ รักษาการกรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่) of the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, who provided projections and details about the Songkran 2026 flight preparations.

Place

Suvarnabhumi Airport(ท่าอากาศยานสุวรรณภูมิ)ℹ️
A major international airport in Bangkok, Thailand, expected to handle a significant number of flights during Songkran 2026.
Don Mueang International Airport(ท่าอากาศยานดอนเมือง)ℹ️
Another major airport in Bangkok, Thailand, projected to handle a high volume of flights during the Songkran festival.
Phuket International Airport(ท่าอากาศยานภูเก็ต)ℹ️
An airport in Phuket, Thailand, anticipated to see a substantial number of flights during the Songkran 2026 period.
Chiang Mai International Airport(ท่าอากาศยานเชียงใหม่)ℹ️
An airport in Chiang Mai, Thailand, expected to manage a significant number of flights during the Songkran 2026 festival.

Law

Air Traffic Flow Management
A proactive management strategy being utilized by the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand to ensure smooth air traffic during peak periods like Songkran 2026.