Udon Thani set for aviation hub push as flights rise 50%

Udon Thani is set to become a key aviation link between Thailand’s Northeast and international markets as the Transport Ministry accelerates infrastructure development for economic and tourism growth. Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit opened discussions with Thai Vietjet executives and the Department of Airports on upgrading regional airports into full-scale aviation hubs. The airline plans to increase domestic flight frequencies by 50%, raising weekly services from 98 to 147, including return routes between Bangkok and multiple regional airports. Alongside Udon Thani, the expanded network will cover Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Surat Thani and Ubon Ratchathani. Thai Vietjet is also preparing direct flights to destinations such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur and Japan’s Tokyo and Osaka, with cross-border direct service feasibility on Udon Thani–Ho Chi Minh City and Krabi–Ho Chi Minh City expected by 2027. Separately, a partnership with EZY Airlines targets new links to Vietnamese cities from Udon Thani in the fourth quarter of 2026. The plan aims to strengthen secondary-city connectivity, with additional route considerations mentioned for provinces including Ranong, Trang, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai.