The statement continued by saying that flights out of Don Muang were geared towards domestic travellers while ones from and to Suvarnabhumi were timed to coincide with parent company Thai Airways’ long-haul international services. Suvarnabhumi is THAI Smile’s chief Bangkok hub and it only flies to Phuket, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen from Don Muang.
THAI Smile’s winter schedule, which comes into effect on 26 October, will also see an increase in the services out of Don Muang to two of the destinations. Flights to Chiang Mai are being increased from three to four a day in each direction. Phuket will have three a day, an increase of one on the current schedule.
THAI Smile had planned to move out of Suvarnabhumi altogether in time for the peak winter season. The move would have enabled it to better compete with rival low-cost airlines Thai Lion Air and Thai AirAsia. The plan was scotched by Thai Airways’ board as they said it was not viable in the present economic climate.
THAI Smile re-affirms two Bangkok air hubs
News in Asia
Budget airline THAI Smile has re-affirmed its intentions of operating out of both of Bangkok’s public airports. After a meeting of the carrier’s board of directors, a spokesperson stated that its flights would continue to operate out of Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports.