This step is a logical follow-up of the recent code sharing agreement signed between Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways. Thai Airways say they are satisfied they can now sell their overseas passenger tickets for connecting flights to Koh Samui via Bangkok with the final Bangkok–Samui leg operated by their partner.
The Samui International airport is a private airport built by Bangkok Airways in 1989 and since then remaining under the management of the airline. Though Thai Airways finally obtained the permission to operate two daily fligths to Koh Samui after the government intervened following numerous complains that it was impossible to use the Samui airport for other operators, Bangkok Airways remained the dominating airline on the route with 19 departures a day.
The two last flights of Thai Airways between Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport and Koh Samui will be on September 2. TG281 will depart Bangkok at 7.45am, and TG287 will fly back from the island at 3.30pm.
Bangkok Airways Will Be the Only Airline Flying Bangkok-Samui Route from September
News in AsiaFrom September this year, Bangkok Airways will get the monopoly on serving Bangkok–Koh Samui route when Thai Airways, the second operator that is currently flying between the capital and the island, quits.