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Top Airlines in Thailand: A Complete Guide
AviationOutlook
January 08, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes
Thailand’s aviation sector has emerged as one of Asia’s most dynamic, with 86 airlines requesting over 270,000 flight slots for summer 2026 operations.
From the flag carrier that represents Thai hospitality worldwide to budget airlines democratizing air travel, Thailand hosts a diverse mix of carriers serving domestic and international routes.
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Table of Contents
1. Thai Airways International: The Flag Carrier Leading Thailand’s Aviation Renaissance
Thai Airways International stands as Thailand’s premier full-service carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance. Established in 1960 and relaunched with domestic operations in 1988, the airline operates 79 aircraft serving over 80 destinations across six continents.
The carrier recently celebrated a major milestone by taking delivery of its first Airbus A321neo in late December 2025, marking the beginning of a comprehensive fleet modernization program. This move signals the airline’s commitment to enhanced fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
After completing a successful restructuring, Thai Airways resumed trading on the Stock Exchange on August 4, 2025. The airline currently offers up to 30kg baggage allowance and complimentary meals on all flights, maintaining its “Smooth as Silk” service philosophy.
Key Facts:
Fleet Size: 79 aircraft
Service Type: Full-service flag carrier
Alliance: Star Alliance founding member
Notable: First class cabins being removed fleet-wide for cabin optimization
2. Bangkok Airways: Asia’s Boutique Airline Experience
Bangkok Airways distinguishes itself as “Asia’s Boutique Airline,” offering a premium regional flying experience. Operating 27 aircraft since commencing operations in 1986, the carrier focuses on connecting underserved destinations throughout Thailand and neighboring countries.
Founded originally as Sahakol Air in 1968, the airline transformed into Bangkok Airways and pioneered the boutique airline concept in Asia. The carrier operates its own airports in Samui, Sukhothai, and Trat, giving it unique operational advantages on these routes.
Passengers enjoy a 20kg baggage allowance, complimentary in-flight meals, and seat selection on both domestic and international flights. This full-service approach on short-haul routes differentiates Bangkok Airways from typical low-cost carriers.
Key Facts:
Fleet Size: 27 aircraft
Service Type: Regional boutique carrier
Hub Operations: Owns and operates three regional airports
Specialty: Premium short-haul service in Southeast Asia
3. Thai AirAsia: Low-Cost Leader Transforming Regional Connectivity
Thai AirAsia operates as Thailand’s largest low-cost carrier with 62 aircraft. Established in 2003 and commencing operations in 2004, the airline is a subsidiary of Asia Aviation Public Company Limited, with 55% ownership by Asia Aviation and 45% by Malaysia-based AirAsia Group.
The carrier recently signed a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) memorandum with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand in November 2025, demonstrating commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. This positions Thai AirAsia as an environmental leader among regional budget carriers.
Thai AirAsia operates extensive domestic networks and regional international routes, making air travel accessible to millions of budget-conscious travelers throughout Southeast Asia.
Key Facts:
Fleet Size: 62 aircraft
Service Type: Low-cost carrier
Ownership: Joint venture between Thai and Malaysian investors
Environmental Commitment: SAF implementation starting 2026
4. Thai AirAsia X: Long-Haul Budget Flying
Thai AirAsia X extends the AirAsia brand into medium and long-haul operations. Operating 10 aircraft since 2014, the airline is a subsidiary of Asia Aviation Public Company Limited, specializing in routes beyond typical low-cost carrier range.
The carrier recently announced new routes including Istanbul service available for booking through September 2026. This expansion demonstrates the airline’s ambition to connect Thailand with Europe and the Middle East at budget prices.
In December 2024, AirAsia Group confirmed that AirAsia X would merge with the main AirAsia brand under a unified structure, streamlining operations while maintaining the long-haul network.
Key Facts:
Fleet Size: 10 aircraft
Service Type: Long-haul low-cost carrier
Route Focus: Medium to long-haul international destinations
Recent Development: Brand consolidation with main AirAsia entity
5. Thai Lion Air: Rapid Growth in Budget Aviation
Thai Lion Air operates 28 aircraft as a subsidiary of Indonesia’s Lion Air Group. Founded in 2013, the carrier has established itself as one of Thailand’s fastest-growing airlines, achieving 40.7% year-on-year growth in 2018.
The airline recently announced new international routes, including Bangkok to Seoul Incheon launching in January 2026, and Bangkok to Kaohsiung operations starting January 2025. This aggressive expansion strategy targets underserved international city pairs.
Thai Lion Air operates primarily from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, providing both domestic and regional international connectivity with a focus on leisure destinations.
Key Facts:
Fleet Size: 28 aircraft
Service Type: Low-cost carrier
Parent Company: Lion Air (Indonesia)
Growth Rate: Over 1 million passengers per month
6. Thai VietJet Air: Vietnamese-Thai Aviation Partnership
Thai VietJet Air operates 18 aircraft as a subsidiary of Vietnam’s VietJet Air. Established in 2014 and commencing operations in 2015, the airline brings Vietnamese low-cost aviation expertise to the Thai market.
Recent fleet developments show the airline filing Boeing 737 MAX 8 operations for January 2026, marking a significant fleet upgrade. The carrier focuses on connecting Thailand with Vietnam and other Southeast Asian destinations.
The airline maintains VietJet’s signature low-cost model while adapting to Thai market preferences and regulatory requirements.
Key Facts:
Fleet Size: 18 aircraft
Service Type: Low-cost carrier
Parent Company: VietJet Air (Vietnam)
Fleet Modernization: Introducing Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in 2026
7. Nok Air: Domestic Specialist With International Restrictions
Nok Air operates 14 aircraft as a subsidiary of Nok Airlines Public Company Limited, with Thai Airways holding a 49% stake. Founded in 2004, the carrier has established itself as a major domestic player operating from Don Mueang Airport.
However, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand suspended the airline’s international operations in September 2025 due to safety and staffing concerns. The carrier continues domestic services while working to address regulatory requirements.
Nok Air was delisted from the Thai Stock Exchange on January 9, 2025, following financial restructuring challenges. Despite these setbacks, the airline maintains its Value Alliance membership and domestic route network.
Key Facts:
Fleet Size: 14 aircraft
Service Type: Low-cost carrier
Alliance: Value Alliance member
Current Status: Domestic operations only (international routes suspended)
8. Thai Summer Airways: New Entrant Expanding Operations
Thai Summer Airways operates 26 aircraft as a collaboration between Thai, Taiwanese, and Chinese investors. Founded in 2018 but delayed by the pandemic, the airline finally commenced operations in April 2023.
The carrier has rapidly built its network since launch, focusing on domestic and regional routes. Thai Summer Airways represents the new generation of Thai airlines emerging post-pandemic with fresh capital and modern fleet.
Key Facts:
Fleet Size: 26 aircraft
Service Type: Low-cost carrier
Investor Base: Multi-national Asian partnership
Operational Start: 2023
9. Ezy Airlines: Regional Specialist in Southern Thailand
Ezy Airlines is Thailand’s newest scheduled airline, operated by M-Landarch Co., Ltd. The carrier commenced operations in 2025, focusing exclusively on southern Thailand regional routes.
The airline launched Thailand’s shortest route between Hat Yai and Betong in June 2025, revolutionizing connectivity in Thailand’s southern provinces. Plans include expansion to Hua Hin routes scheduled for December 2025, connecting the resort town with southern destinations.
Ezy Airlines also offers charter services, providing private flight options across Thailand for corporate and leisure travelers seeking exclusivity and flexibility.
Key Facts:
Service Type: Regional carrier with scheduled and charter operations
Geographic Focus: Southern Thailand exclusively
Notable Route: Hat Yai-Betong (Thailand’s shortest commercial route)
Additional Services: Private charter flights available
10. K-Mile Air: Thailand’s Cargo Aviation Pioneer
K-Mile Air became Thailand’s first dedicated cargo airline when established in 2004, commencing operations in 2006. Operating 7 aircraft, the carrier is part of ASL Aviation Holdings, a global aviation services company.
Based at Suvarnabhumi Airport, K-Mile Air provides both scheduled and charter cargo services throughout Southeast Asia. The airline recently signed the sustainable aviation fuel memorandum alongside passenger carriers, committing to SAF adoption starting in 2026.
As Thailand’s e-commerce and logistics sectors grow, K-Mile Air plays a crucial role in supporting regional supply chains and express delivery networks.
Key Facts:
Fleet Size: 7 aircraft
Service Type: Dedicated cargo carrier
Parent Company: ASL Aviation Holdings
Geographic Coverage: Southeast Asia scheduled and charter operations
Comparison Table: Thailand’s Major Airlines
Airline | Fleet Size | Service Type | Founded | Primary Hub |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Thai Airways International | 79 | Full-service | 1960 | Suvarnabhumi |
Bangkok Airways | 27 | Boutique regional | 1968 | Suvarnabhumi/Samui |
Thai AirAsia | 62 | Low-cost | 2003 | Don Mueang |
Thai AirAsia X | 10 | Long-haul low-cost | 2013 | Don Mueang |
Thai Lion Air | 28 | Low-cost | 2013 | Don Mueang |
Thai VietJet Air | 18 | Low-cost | 2014 | Suvarnabhumi |
Nok Air | 14 | Low-cost | 2004 | Don Mueang |
Thai Summer Airways | 26 | Low-cost | 2018 | Multiple |
Ezy Airlines | N/A | Regional | 2024 | Southern Thailand |
K-Mile Air | 7 | Cargo | 2004 | Suvarnabhumi |
My Final Thoughts
Thailand’s aviation sector demonstrates remarkable resilience and diversification as it enters 2026.
The mix of established full-service carriers, aggressive low-cost operators, and specialized regional airlines creates a competitive environment that benefits both passengers and the broader tourism economy.
The industry’s commitment to sustainable aviation fuel, evidenced by the November 2025 memorandum signed by eight carriers, positions Thailand as a regional leader in aviation environmental responsibility.
Meanwhile, the entry of new players like Ezy Airlines proves that opportunities still exist for niche operators with clear geographic or service focus.
As 86 airlines compete for summer 2026 slots, Thailand’s position as a Southeast Asian aviation hub continues strengthening, promising enhanced connectivity and competitive pricing for years ahead.
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