On October 2, 2024, Thai Air Asia launched its new domestic route from Don Mueang to Lampang marking a significant turning point in connecting Northern Thailand with Bangkok. The first flight FD3923, was a celebration of culture and community featuring the local actor Mikey Budkaew. Guests on the fully booked flight were given a special welcome at Lampang Airport.
Innovative travel incentives
The airline operates the new route daily, utilising A320s with 180 seats in a single-class layout. The average roundtrip fare is USD110. Moreover, the airline uses an ATR72 with 70 seats and the flight duration is one hour and a half. To celebrate the new Don Mueang–Lampang route special one-way promotional fares starting at THB1,100 are available for booking until midnight on 6 October 2024. Nevertheless, the travel period ends on 29 March 2025. Additionally, passengers can receive a THB 200 discount on car rentals by showing their AirAsia boarding pass for a weekday on the Don Mueang–Lampang flight booked before 31 October 2024. The introduction of this route is a strategic move by AirAsia. Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya said:
“We at AirAsia are really thrilled to be introducing our newest direct domestic route to Lampang, a city that is easy to fall in love with. The route was trendy from day one when we opened for booking. We are confident that the new daily Don Mueang–Lampang flight will provide an attractive option and stimulate travel to Lampang in support of its economy while also facilitating more frequent travel for work and leisure and for Lampang natives to be able to return home more frequently.”
However, Air Asia’s new service will compete with Bangkok Airways, which operates two daily flights from BKK to Lampang departing at07:35 and 13:00. The carrier also uses an ATR72 with 70 seats and the flight time is one hour and 35 min with an average round trip fare of USD 130.
AirAsia’s international connections
In addition to domestic expansion, Thai AirAsia is growing its presence in international markets. The airline recently introduced a direct flight connecting Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok with Tiruchirappalli International Airport in Tamil Nadu, India. This new route enhances the airline’s presence in India and increases passenger traffic at Tiruchirappalli which connects Thailand with major overseas destinations such as Singapore, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur.
Thai Air Asia’s commitment to affordable fares and customer-oriented services, combined with dedication to expansion establishes the airline as a leading company allowing travelers to discover various places and cultures. With its growing network, how will these new routes impact the future of aviation in the Asian region? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
