PUBLISHED: 4 Feb 2025 at 04: 50
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand ( CAAT ) announced plans to combat high airfares during the busiest times of the year, particularly during the Songkran holiday on Monday.
Suttipong Kongpool, the chairman of CAAT, said the action was taken in response to Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the vice minister and transport minister, to regulate airfares for the good of travelers.
CAAT has outlined a number of steps to maintain fair tickets. A rate ceiling has been set based on trip mileage, capping low-cost airline tickets at 9.40 ringgit per kilometre and full-service airline tickets at 13 baht per kilometre. Simply direct tickets made with flights are subject to this rule.
The global civil aircraft organization’s pricing structure is consistent with international standards. Approximately 25-33 % of the collected fares go towards fuel, 20-31 % for flight operations and 8-16 % for maintenance.
A price cap is intended to stop airlines from unnecessarily increasing ticket prices above affordable profit margins.
To further target fare issues, the CAAT has proposed three important techniques.
The first is to improve supply. The CAAT is collaborating with air visitors service providers, airports, and airlines to raise flight availability during the busiest times of the year. Programs include adding more planes, expanding airport operations, and enhancing aviation maintenance facilities.
Conducting regulatory reviews is another method. The CAAT is gathering information to reevaluate suffer standards and maintain a fair pricing structure that benefits both airlines and people.
The final option involves lowering costs for flights. The Transport Ministry is taking immediate steps to lower operating costs, such as restructuring aircraft and upgrading system to increase fuel efficiency and cost savings.
Travelers can find the best airfare deals, according to CAAT, by booking tickets at least two to three weeks in advance of travel dates during the low year or six to eight weeks in advance of the high time.