YALA — Ezy Airlines made aviation history on Friday, June 27, 2025, with the launch of its inaugural flight EZT111 on the Hat Yai-Betong route, marking the return of commercial flights to Thailand’s border region after a nearly three-year hiatus.
The milestone flight carried Justice Minister Police General Tawee Sodsong and Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensi aboard a 12-seat Cessna Grand Caravan from Hat Yai International Airport to Betong Airport in Yala province. The two ministers presided over the inaugural flight ceremony, which drew a large crowd of attendees.
“This represents another crucial step that will enhance economic opportunities, travel accessibility, and tourism in the southern border provinces, particularly in Betong district, which sits at Thailand’s southernmost tip and is rich in natural potential, culture, and distinctive local identity,” said Minister Tawee.
The new air service dramatically reduces travel time from the previous six-hour road journey to just 45 minutes, providing significant convenience for residents, tourists, and business travelers seeking faster and safer access to Betong district.
Thailand’s Shortest Commercial Flight Route
Thani Tharapak, Managing Director of M-Landarche Co., Ltd., explained that market research revealed significant growth in tourist arrivals to Betong and strong travel demand from local residents. He emphasized the potential of Betong Airport, describing it as a beautiful international facility the company aims to help reopen for the benefit of local communities through tourism promotion and convenient travel options.
After receiving its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, Ezy Airlines launched what will be Thailand’s shortest commercial flight route at 152 kilometers. The airline specializes in short-haul flights under 60 minutes, connecting major and secondary cities in southern Thailand using Hat Yai International Airport as its primary hub.
The new route transforms a challenging 250-kilometer road journey through 1,066 mountain curves, typically taking four hours, into a convenient one-hour flight. Initially operating on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, tickets are available through the airline’s website starting at 3,100 baht (excluding VAT).
Overcoming Historical Challenges
Despite Betong’s high tourism and economic potential, with an average of 1.6 million visitors annually, air connectivity from Bangkok to Betong Airport has faced significant limitations including aviation economics, infrastructure constraints, and market demand challenges.
Betong Airport previously operated during the Prayuth Chan-ocha administration, with its last commercial flight on October 28, 2022, before resuming commercial service today after a gap of approximately two years and eight months.
Previous attempts by major commercial airlines to operate direct Don Mueang-Betong routes were discontinued due to high operational costs, particularly fuel and airport fees.
The airport lacks on-site refueling facilities, requiring aircraft to stop elsewhere for fuel, significantly increasing costs. Additionally, Betong’s 1,800-meter runway can only accommodate small aircraft such as ATRs or Cessnas.
This initiative represents an important step toward expanding travel options and promoting economic development in Thailand’s border regions while providing greater convenience for authorities, deep south residents, and domestic and international tourists.
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