AirAsia has previously stated the plan is to use Airbus A320s configured for 180 passengers to serve the route. The main sticking point to the launch of the route so far is believed to have been AirAsia’s stipulation that aircraft landing and service facility rental fees are waived for the initial period of operations.
At present, although it is not on any airline’s current timetables, Hua Hin Airport has no immigration or customs checkpoints for international passengers. These would also have to be set up before any flights from Malaysia are able to land.
12GO ASIA says that according to local media, AirAsia has long-term plans for Hua Hin Airport. The budget airline could use Hua Hin as a hub for flights to Krabi, Phuket and destinations farther afield.
12GO notes this would make sound business sense as the closest airports to Hua Hin are at least 200kms away. Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport are the nearest, but at least three hours by road, while Chumphon Airport is closer to the 300km mark.
AirAsia Kuala Lumpur to Hua Hin flights inch nearer to reality
News in Asia
Media sources in Hua Hin say direct flights from Kula Lumpur are likely to launch before the end of 2017. Additional meetings between AirAsia and Hua Hin Airport representatives have taken place regarding an initial proposal to start up a once daily service in each direction.