Flight cancellations: Chinese airlines slash 40% of slots amid Thai tourism slowdown

Photo: Freepik

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) witnessed a substantial number of flight slot cancellations by Chinese airlines, accounting for over 40% of total cancellations across Thailand’s airports. The CAAT director, Suttipong Kongpool, highlighted that such cancellations are not unusual and are often a result of fluctuating travel demand.

Airline companies frequently resort to such measures in order to maintain profitability, he explained. Until now, all flight slot cancellation requests have been made in accordance with the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Airlines wishing to return their assigned slot must notify the relevant authorities at least seven days prior to the intended date. Failure to operate services whilst retaining a flight slot may lead to fines or even a ban from flying to the…