Thailand reopened the sky for domestic flights at 28 airports across the country on 1 May 2020. But the arrival and departure of the flight must be between 07.00 and 19.00 hrs. Besides, the operation must comply with strict safety guidelines and social distancing measures of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). The 28 airports are categorised into 2 types:
1. Airport servicing domestic flights only – 18 in total which are Nannakhon, Phitsanulok, Phare, Maesot, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Phanom, Roiet, Buriram, Loei, Sakhon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Chumporn, Trang, Nakorn Sri Thammarat and Ranong. However, the duration for arrival and departure can be shortened if circumstances permit which depends on the consideration of the airport administrators.
2. Airport servicing both domestic and international flights – 10 in total which are Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Samui, Hua Hin, Surat Thani, U-Tapao. The exception is Phuket International Airport which has extended the closure until 15 May 2020. If there is no limit or terms and conditions on operating hours, the airport will service flights between 07.00 and 19.00 hrs and will not service aircraft carrying passengers from overseas into Thailand, except the following cases:
• State and military aircraft
• Emergency landing
• Technical landing (no disembarkation)
• Humanitarian, medical aid and relief flights • Repatriation
• Cargo aircraft
Airports of the two categories may service flights outside the specified 07.00 – 19.00 hrs in the following cases: • State and military aircraft
• Emergency landing
• Technical landing (no disembarkation)
The following airlines operate domestic flights to and from 5 international airports
1. Suvarnabhumi
2. Don Mueang
3. Chiang Mai
4. Mae Fah Luang, Chiang Rai 5. Hat Yai
– Thai Vietjet Air and Bangkok Airways (operation date 15 May) – Thai Air Asia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air
– Thai Air Asia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet Air
– Thai Air Asia, Nok Air and Thai Vietjet Air
– Thai Air Asia, Nok Air and Thai Lion Air
The air operator must provide information on measures to limit access to the area and prevent disease as specified by provincial governors to inform passengers at the ticket sales process and when the passenger first appears (Check-in) if the passenger requests to postpone the trip due to unable to comply with provincial measures the air operator will re-issue the ticket without charge.
The safety measures for domestic flight operation include temperature check, social distancing, no food and drink service onboard, no consumption of personal food and drink onboard. Crew members must wear surgical masks and gloves. Passengers must wear masks at all times, as well. Passengers arriving at non-international airports of Department of Airports are required to fill in the provincial public health form (Tor 8 Kor Kor) to collect travel information of the passenger.
