Short answer
Thai AirAsia resumed domestic flights from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on 1 October 2026, after suspending all nine of its Suvarnabhumi domestic routes from 15 July to 30 September because of high fuel costs and softer demand. Three routes are back: up to six flights a day to Chiang Mai, five to Phuket and two to Krabi. Don Mueang remains the airline's main Bangkok base. For travellers landing at Suvarnabhumi from abroad, it means a direct domestic connection without crossing Bangkok to Don Mueang.
What returned on 1 October
Thai AirAsia resumed domestic operations from Suvarnabhumi International Airport on 1 October 2026, The Thaiger reports, restoring direct flights to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi. The Thaiger says the airline had suspended all nine of its domestic routes from Suvarnabhumi between 15 July and 30 September because of sharply higher aviation fuel costs and softer travel demand, and moved the flights to Don Mueang.
Services now operate up to six times a day to Chiang Mai, five to Phuket and twice to Krabi. According to the airline, the first flights on the three routes had a combined load factor above 82%. The return is partial: before the suspension the airline also flew from Suvarnabhumi to Buri Ram, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani and Udon Thani.
More domestic flights until December
The Nation reported on 27 August that Thai AirAsia would operate up to 135 domestic flights a day between October and December, more than 50% above the third quarter's peak average of 88. Don Mueang stays the main base, with up to 17 daily flights to Chiang Mai, 15 to Phuket and six to Krabi. Chief executive Phairat Pornpathananangoon said the airline had cut flights earlier because of fuel prices and expects domestic tourism to recover in the fourth quarter.
From 25 October, Phuket gains direct Thai AirAsia flights to Khon Kaen, up to three times a week, and to Udon Thani, up to four times a week. The Nation says these cross-regional routes let passengers travel between regions without connecting through Bangkok.
What it changes if you land at Suvarnabhumi
The Thaiger notes that the restored flights let passengers arriving on international services at Suvarnabhumi connect directly to the three destinations, without transferring across Bangkok to Don Mueang. Before you book, check with the airline how bags are handled if the international and domestic flights are on separate tickets; the reports do not cover this.
Travellers flying between Bangkok and the three destinations now have a choice between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. Check which airport your flight uses on your booking, because moving between the two means crossing Bangkok and the airline flies from both.
Planning a tour after the flight
Hotel pickup for our Krabi 4 Islands or Hong Islands speedboat tour, from $35 per person, is between about 7:30 and 8:40 am in Ao Nang and the Krabi area. Our Phi Phi speedboat day from Phuket picks up between about 7:00 and 8:30 am. A flight that lands the same morning will not make those pickups, so plan your first tour for the next day.
Send us your flight dates and where you are staying, and we will tell you which day suits which tour.
Practical checklist
- Check on your booking whether a Thai AirAsia flight leaves from Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang.
- If you connect from an international flight, ask the airline how bags are handled on separate tickets.
- Leave a free day between a flight and an early tour pickup.
- Check the schedule before you book: the airline's plan is for up to 135 domestic flights a day until December.
Questions and answers
When did Thai AirAsia return to Suvarnabhumi?
On 1 October 2026, with direct flights to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi, according to The Thaiger. The airline had suspended all nine of its Suvarnabhumi domestic routes from 15 July to 30 September.
How often does Thai AirAsia fly from Suvarnabhumi?
Up to six times a day to Chiang Mai, five to Phuket and two to Krabi, according to The Thaiger and the Nation. Only these three routes have been restored so far.
Does Thai AirAsia still fly from Don Mueang?
Yes. Don Mueang remains its main Bangkok base, with 22 domestic destinations, according to The Thaiger. The Nation lists up to 17 daily flights to Chiang Mai, 15 to Phuket and six to Krabi from Don Mueang.
What is new for Phuket from 25 October?
Direct Thai AirAsia flights from Phuket to Khon Kaen, up to three times a week, and to Udon Thani, up to four times a week, according to the Nation.