Flights to and from China on slow rise

Flights to and from China on slow rise

The number of flights between China and Thailand continues to increase but remains below the pre-pandemic level, according to Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) Co Ltd president Nopasit Chakpitak.

From October 2022 to April 2023, a total of 12,805 flights operated between the countries, representing a 98% rise compared to the same period the year before, Mr Nopasit said yesterday.

An upward trend is expected, as efforts are being made to manage air traffic and ensure smooth operations, he said.

He attributed the rise in flights to China’s early reopening, which prompted many Chinese airlines to operate additional flights and increase their frequency. There were 1,063 flights from China in January, 1,747 in February, 3,082 in March and 4,240 in April.

An estimated 5,330 flights are expected from China in May, followed by 6,090 in June, 7,150 in July, 7,460 in August and 7,340 in September.

The total number between last October and this September is projected to reach 46,175, according to the Aerothai president.

Despite the optimistic outlook, he noted the projected figure is still 66% lower than the same period in 2019.