Krabi Airport Launches Charter Flights from Four Russian Cities
Krabi Airport will host nine charter flights from four Russian cities between October 2 and 15, 2026, bringing an estimated 3,000 tourists to the Andaman region. The Ministry of Transport is offering a 50% reduction in airport fees to encourage new routes and promote regional economic spread. Officials say the service highlights the airport’s new terminal capacity and supports Thailand’s goal of becoming a regional aviation and tourism hub.
The Ministry of Transport announced that, under the 'Airport for Regional Development' policy, SiamWings Airlines will operate charter flights linking Krabi Airport with Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Moscow, and Yekaterinburg from October 2 to 15, 2026, using an Airbus A330-200 (registration HS-SYB) with 345 seats. The inaugural flight departed from U-Tapao Airport on October 2, carrying passengers to Tolmachevo Airport in Novosibirsk. The ministry highlighted that the new service expands travel options, disperses tourists to regional destinations, and creates opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport services, and local vendors. It also noted that the airport’s new terminal can efficiently handle international flights and large passenger volumes. To encourage further route openings, the Department of Aviation will grant a 50% reduction in airport fees for new airlines under the 'New Route New Airline' measure, aiming to position Thailand as a regional aviation and tourism hub.
