Khon Kaen-Hua Hin flights proposed in talks with EZY Airlines

Private sector officials in Khon Kaen have proposed new Khon Kaen-Hua Hin flights as part of plans to improve air links between the north-east and key tourism and economic centres.

Natthiya Tantasuk, President of the Khon Kaen Tourism and MICE Association and Chair of the Tourism Industry Council of Khon Kaen, said discussions were held on 8 June with Thani Tharaphak, Chief Executive Officer of EZY Airlines.

The meeting included executives, advisers and committee members from the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries Khon Kaen Chapter, the Khon Kaen Tourism and MICE Association and the Tourism Industry Council of Khon Kaen.

The talks focused on the development of Khon Kaen’s air travel network as part of plans to support tourism, trade, investment and the wider regional economy.

Proposed Khon Kaen-Hua Hin flights discussed

Natthiya said the meeting considered the possibility of opening two new routes: Khon Kaen-U-Tapao and Khon Kaen-Hua Hin.

She said the routes could help connect Khon Kaen with important tourism and business destinations in other regions of Thailand.

According to Natthiya, the proposed Khon Kaen-Hua Hin flights would give travellers more options and improve regional tourism links. The Hua Hin route would also provide a direct connection between the north-east and one of Thailand’s main seaside destinations.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of using turboprop aircraft, including ATR aircraft, for the services. These aircraft can typically carry around 60 to 80 passengers and are considered suitable for short-haul flights and routes connecting secondary cities.

Officials say routes could support regional economy

Natthiya said private sector organisations had jointly proposed the routes for commercial airlines to consider and study further.

She said the groups had also expressed support for efforts to make the routes viable, saying they could improve travel convenience for residents, tourists and business travellers.

The proposed services would also support Khon Kaen’s economy, investment sector, tourism industry and MICE sector, she said.

The discussions form part of Khon Kaen’s ambition to strengthen its role as a regional centre for travel, tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.

No launch date or flight schedule has been confirmed.