Patthapong is accelerating the development of Weather Radar and the SWIM system to enhance aviation safety and reduce flight delays, aiming to promote Thailand as a world-class aviation hub. A new Thailand-China flight route is scheduled to open on 3 September.
On 6 August 2026, Patthapong Patrapasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed that the Ministry of Transport is advancing aviation infrastructure alongside the adoption of digital technology to improve air traffic management, enhance safety, reduce flight delays, and support environmentally friendly aviation. He has directed the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand to expedite integration of Weather Radar data with the Meteorological Department, so air traffic controllers can use accurate and up-to-date weather information, especially during adverse conditions.
This initiative will enhance safety, reduce passenger impact, and improve the efficiency of the country's air traffic management. The ministry is also promoting development of the System Wide Information Management (SWIM) system to enable digital flight data exchange in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. The goal is for the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand to become a SWIM Service Provider by 2030, marking a key step in Thailand's transition to a modern aviation data management system. Coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand is being expedited to ensure Thailand's full integration into the global aviation network on schedule, supporting the objective of establishing Thailand as a world-class aviation hub.
Pichit Kunathumrak, Chairman of the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, stated that the total flight volume for fiscal year 2026—from October 2025 to September 2026—is projected at 919,643 flights, averaging 2,520 flights daily, a 1.64% increase over fiscal year 2025. Current data shows 777,456 flights or 2,558 flights daily, including 385,991 international flights, 297,234 domestic flights, and 94,231 overflights. Although growth is affected by Middle East conflicts, these figures reflect a steady recovery and stable growth trend in Thailand's aviation industry.
The countries with the highest flight traffic in and out of, and over Thailand are China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. The busiest airports are Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Samui, respectively. Another milestone is the launch of the L770 (NAN–SAGAG) flight route on 3 September 2026, a direct route from Thailand to China developed through cooperation among Thailand, China, and Laos. This route reduces flight distance by 27.5 to 35.2 nautical miles, enhances air traffic management efficiency, lowers airline costs, saves fuel, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports growth in travel between Southeast Asia and China. This development promotes sustainable aviation growth, accommodates rising flight demand, expands regional air route networks, and boosts connectivity between Thailand and China, a key aviation market.
