AirAsia continues to expand its network through the year-end adding 4 routes from Chiang Rai Airport to domestic destination; Phuket, and international destinations; Macao, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, driving Chiang Rai toward becoming AirAsia's 7th flight hub in Thailand to spur both tourism and investment.
Santisuk Klongchaiya, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Thailand, said that Chiang Rai has both the capacity and potential for tourism growth with its unique art and culture as well as beautiful natural scenery. With attractions such as Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple), Baan Dam Museum, Rong Seur Ten Temple, Mae Fah Luang Garden and Doi Tung Royal Palace, the province accommodates a variety of travel styles while being capable of accommodating a high volume of visitors. With Tham Luang Cave gaining attention worldwide, the province is well positioned to attract tourists as well as investors.
The 4 new routes will strengthen AirAsia's flight network and allow travellers to Chiang Rai to easily connect to other regions of Thailand. The introduction of the airport's advancement into a hub coincides with Chiang Rai Airport's own plans to expand.
"We chose the 3 international destinations of Macao, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur because they already account for a strong amount of visitors to Thailand who will likely be interested in Chiang Rai. Domestically we chose Phuket to offer the best possible regional connection," Mr. Santisuk said.
The new routes come with promotional fares starting from only THB 1,190 one way for international flights and THB 890 one way for domestic flights. Promotional fares are available for booking from today to 30 December 2018 for travel from 30 January 2019 to 2 February 2020.
Chiang Rai-Phuket will be available 3 times a week (Wednesday/Friday/Sunday) from 1 February 2019. Chiang Rai-Macao will be available 3 times a week (Wednesday/Friday/Sunday) from 30 January 2019, Chiang Rai-Singapore will be available 3 times a week (Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday) beginning 31 January 2019 and Chiang Rai-Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia will be available 4 times a week (Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday) starting 31 January 2019.