Thai AirAsia opposes airfare reductions due to operational costs

Thai AirAsia has weighed in on the issue of high airfares which prompted calls for price reductions, arguing that slashing ceiling prices is not a feasible solution due to increased operational costs borne by airlines since the onset of the pandemic.

The airline’s Chief Executive, Santisuk Klongchaiya, has suggested increasing flights during the Songkran festival as a potential strategy to decrease average fares.

Santisuk explained that costs of operation, including fuel and maintenance, have surged since the pandemic hit. Furthermore, the aircraft supply chain has yet to recover to its pre-pandemic state. He stated that it’s typical for airfares to increase during the Songkran holiday due to high demand. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) regulates these airfares, setting ceiling prices for each route.

Thai AirAsia plans to keep…