BANGKOK — 24 April 2026, Thai Airways International has confirmed it is not permanently cancelling any flight routes despite recent reductions and schedule changes affecting more than 46 services in May, its chief executive said.
Speaking at the Transport Ministry, CEO Chai Eamsiri said the adjustments, covering both domestic and international routes, including destinations in Asia and Europe such as Singapore, Japan and India, as well as Udon Thani and Khon Kaen, were aimed at aligning operations with current demand.
He said the airline continues to operate all routes and maintain overall flight coverage, with changes limited to certain frequencies and timings.
Chai attributed the move to softer passenger demand, as travellers delay bookings amid economic uncertainty and rising living costs. Some flights, particularly those close to departure dates, have seen low seat occupancy, prompting the airline to consolidate services and improve efficiency.
The airline’s approach prioritises balancing commercial viability with passenger convenience, he said. Measures include deploying smaller aircraft where appropriate and reducing flight frequency, for example, from daily services to five times weekly, before considering cancellations, which would only be temporary if implemented.
The adjustments for May represent about 4–5% of the airline’s total schedule and are short term, Chai said, adding that a “war room” has been set up to monitor demand on a daily basis and respond quickly. Flight frequencies could be restored during peak travel periods if demand rebounds.
He also cited jet fuel prices as a major cost factor, noting that prices rose from about 90 US dollars per barrel before the end of February 2026 to a peak of around 240 dollars, nearly tripling. Although prices have since eased, they remain roughly double previous levels, requiring careful cost management and fare adjustments.
Chai said lower passenger loads have increased available cargo capacity, offering an opportunity to boost revenue through high-value goods and medical shipments, where demand remains strong.
He confirmed that aircraft procurement plans remain unchanged, stressing the importance of long-term sustainability over short-term fixes.
First-quarter 2026 performance was in line with expectations, he said, but warned that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could have a significant impact on the global aviation industry. Thai Airways will continue to monitor developments and adjust its strategy accordingly.
