The Transport Ministry is advancing Udonthani Airport to meet international airport standards, ready to welcome direct charter flights by Lucky Air on the Kunming-Udonthani route starting 8 September 2026, aiming to stimulate tourism and the economy in upper northeastern Thailand.
Mr. Pattarapong Pattaraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed developments on enhancing the capabilities of regional airports under the Department of Airports (DOA). The Transport Ministry prioritizes implementing the Airport for Regional Development policy to elevate regional airports to meet international safety and air transport facilitation standards. This supports growth in tourism, trade, and international investment. Recently, the DOA reported that Udonthani Airport is scheduled to receive a public airport operation certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) on 2 September 2026. This will be the sixth airport under the DOA to obtain such certification, following Betong, Buriram, Surat Thani, Phitsanulok, and Krabi airports. This reflects the airport’s readiness to operate under safety requirements and standards related to public airport operations.
In addition to certification, Udonthani Airport is preparing to welcome Lucky Air’s inaugural direct charter flights between Kunming and Udonthani. This marks a significant step in seamless travel, trade, and tourism connections between the two countries. The Ministry of Transport and the DOA have coordinated with all relevant agencies, including Immigration, Customs, and public transport services, to accommodate the anticipated influx of tourists arriving via these direct flights. It is expected to generate income for local businesses in Udonthani province and the upper northeastern region.
. Mr. Danai Ruangsorn, Director-General of the Department of Airports, added that Lucky Air is scheduled to operate two weekly direct charter flights between the People’s Republic of China and Udonthani Airport on the Kunming-Udonthani-Kunming route. The flights will use Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 189 seats, operating from 8 September to 22 October 2026. As a new airline and route connecting China to Udonthani, Lucky Air receives a 50% discount on landing and parking fees for one year under the Department of Airports’ 2026 promotion measures for domestic and international routes.
The DOA aims for regional airports to be more than just points for aircraft takeoff and landing; they are economic gateways connecting people, tourism, trade, and business opportunities from regional cities to national and international levels. The department will continue to develop airports to ensure safety, standards, and meet travelers’ needs continuously.
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