The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported that on 21 December 2025, total air passengers reached approximately 470,000, with over 200,000 domestic travelers and more than 270,000 international travelers. Flights to and from China have recovered to 75% of pre-COVID-19 levels. Plans are in place for the New Year to add over 11,000 seats on six main routes and reduce fares by 30% on more than 36,000 seats. CAAT is working with Airports of Thailand (AOT), Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI), and the Department of Airports (DOA) to reduce fees and strictly control ticket prices.
Air Chief Marshal Manat Chuanaprayoon, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). He revealed that monitoring air travel in December 2025 shows a continuous and significant increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous month. Since 1 December, daily passenger volumes have risen steadily, reflecting strong travel demand toward the year-end and upcoming New Year holidays.
As of 21 December 2025, approximately 479,979 passengers passed through Thai airports, including around 208,040 domestic passengers and 271,939 international passengers. This level is close to that seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. Passenger volume is expected to peak between 27 December 2025 and 4 January 2026.
For international travel, the route between Thailand and China saw about 19,852 passengers, reaching 75% of pre-COVID-19 levels for the same period. Passengers from India numbered 10,616, about 10% higher than before the pandemic. Domestically, Don Mueang Airport had the highest daily passenger count at approximately 63,981, followed by Suvarnabhumi Airport with 36,499, and Chiang Mai and Phuket airports each with around 20,000 daily passengers.
In response to increased travel demand for the New Year festival, the Ministry of Transport and CAAT have implemented measures to facilitate tourists and returning residents. They have coordinated with airlines and aviation agencies to add seats, reduce fares, and prepare comprehensive service readiness. Special flights totaling 11,312 seats across 66 flights cover six round-trip routes: Bangkok–Krabi, Bangkok–Chiang Mai, Bangkok–Chiang Rai, Bangkok–Khon Kaen, Bangkok–Trang, and Bangkok–Samui.
Thai airlines have jointly implemented a 30% fare reduction from the maximum price ceiling on 36,620 seats across 202 flights on 11 round-trip routes: Bangkok–Krabi, Bangkok–Chiang Mai, Bangkok–Chiang Rai, Bangkok–Khon Kaen, Bangkok–Trang, Bangkok–Samui, Bangkok–Chumphon, Bangkok–Hat Yai, Bangkok–Nakhon Si Thammarat, Bangkok–Surat Thani, and Bangkok–Phuket.
"CAAT places great importance on caring for the public during peak travel periods by coordinating with all aviation industry sectors to increase seats, reduce expenses, and facilitate safe, fair, and continuous travel, especially during the New Year festival, which is a significant time for families and national tourism," Air Chief Marshal Manat said.
For special fare ticket sales, the public can purchase directly from airlines through designated channels. Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet Air, and Nok Air accept bookings up to the day of flight for travel between 26 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Bangkok Airways accepts bookings up to the day of flight for travel between 25 December 2025 and 5 January 2026.
Additionally, aviation agencies are fully supporting these measures. Airports of Thailand (AOT) has reduced landing and parking charges by 30% for special and discounted flights. Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI) is preparing to handle increased flights and passengers and has reduced domestic air navigation fees by 30% for special flights between 26 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The Department of Airports (DOA) has planned passenger facilitation and safety measures, including extending airport operating hours to accommodate special flights and prevent passenger backlogs.
However, CAAT emphasized close monitoring and regulation of ticket prices to ensure compliance with the law and price ceilings. Because special fare tickets are limited, the public is advised to plan travel and buy tickets in advance directly from airlines to clearly understand terms, fares, and fees. Monitoring shows that those who plan ahead have purchased cheaper tickets, while some flights still have moderate-priced tickets available. Travelers who can adjust plans may find cheaper tickets on other days or consider nearby airports that might offer better prices.
Passengers are advised to closely follow airline announcements for any changes or cancellations and to understand their rights in case of delays or cancellations. They should allow extra time to reach airports due to high travel volumes. Complaints or reports of ticket price violations beyond the ceiling can be submitted via the website.https://old-www.caat.or.th/th
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