Airlines still struggle thanks to competition

Though more flights have been planned for the Songkran holiday next month, air traffic in Thailand remains unpredictable as airlines still face losses amid intense competition, according to Nok Air.

Average ticket prices have returned to the same level as the period before the second wave of the pandemic hit in December, but airlines continue to post losses as the rate of passengers per flight remains weak compared with the volume recorded in 2019, said Nok Air chief executive Wutthiphum Jurangkool.

At present, the average price per domestic flight is 1,300 to 1,400 baht, while the average cabin factor for Nok Air increased to 70%. However, the volume of passengers stands at just 50% of the rate recorded in 2019.

He said some airlines that never market themselves as low-cost carriers slashed their prices to the same level as budget airlines, which has intensified…