The government is advancing the "New Route-New Airline" program, cutting airport fees by 50% to encourage the launch of new regional flight routes, expanding travel options, and stimulating tourism and community economies.
On 13 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government is working to increase air travel options for the public and enhance connectivity between major cities and regions by the Ministry of Transport and the Department of Airports (DOA) issuing a promotion measure called "New Route-New Airline" to develop domestic and international flight routes. This reduces landing and aircraft service fees by 50% to motivate airlines to open new routes and provide services at regional airports more extensively. The measure is effective from 10 Aug 2026 GMT+7 to 9 Aug 2027 GMT+7.
The Deputy Spokesperson stated that Mr. Phattharaphong Phatraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, has driven this measure forward under the policy "Airport for Regional Development." The policy uses airports as mechanisms to support regional economic development, increase airline competition, and offer the public more travel options in terms of routes, prices, and service quality.
The benefits are divided into two groups: New Route: a 50% reduction on landing and aircraft service fees for one year for routes never served before or routes that have been suspended for at least one year.
New Airline: a 50% reduction of these fees for six months for airlines that have never served the airport before or have suspended service for at least one year. This applies to both domestic and international flights at airports managed by the Department of Airports.
The previous promotion measures have received ongoing airline interest. In 2025, six new routes applied for the New Route benefit: Udon Thani-U-Tapao, Buriram-Bangkok, Narathiwat-Bangkok, Nakhon Si Thammarat-Bangkok, Betong-Hat Yai, and Surat Thani-Hat Yai. Additionally, new airlines requested benefits for routes Nakhon Si Thammarat-Bangkok and Nakhon Phanom-Don Mueang, reflecting that the measures successfully incentivize network expansion to regional areas.
"The goal of this measure is not only to reduce airline costs but to benefit the public. More airlines and routes increase choices, reduce monopolies on routes served by only one provider, and foster competition in price and service quality. At the same time, easier city connections will boost travel, tourism, trade, and investment, distributing income to local areas and communities."
Airlines interested can notify the Department of Airports for approval. The government expects that extending the measure in 2026 will attract both domestic and international airlines to open more routes to regional airports, aligning with the "Airport for Regional Development" approach that leverages aviation infrastructure to connect economic and tourism opportunities to regions, offering the public more convenient, faster, and varied travel options while generating sustainable income for communities.