The wing-commander continued by saying Maldivian planned to launch daily services from the Maldives and this was bound to support tourism in both directions. He noted that Maldivian’s Male-Bangkok flights would mount a challenge to Bangkok Airways which currently holds a monopoly on the route.
Commenting on Peach’s possible new route, wing-commander Tongtang said the carrier’s management was holding preliminary talks with the DCA. He added that the airline was also evaluating the feasibility of a route from Osaka’s Kansai Airport to Bangkok.
This route is served by Thai AirAsia X at present. The Thai arm of the Malaysia-based budget carrier flies between Bangkok and Osaka five times per week, but this service will be daily at the end of next month.
Don Muang was Thailand’s main international airport, but was retired when Suvarnabhumi Airport opened in September 2006. Don Muang reopened six months later and is now a regional hub for budget airlines.
Carriers in talks over adding Don Muang flights
News in Asia
The manager of Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport says two airlines are in the process of setting up new routes. Songsak Tongtang says the two carriers, Maldivian and Peach from Japan, are negotiating with the Thai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) for landing slots at the Thai capital’s second airport.