thai airways cut

Thai Airways to Cut Multiple Domestic and International Flights in May as Fuel Costs Bite

ByJustpaste.in

BANGKOK — Thai Airways International Plc has notified ticket agents that it will significantly reduce flight frequencies in May 2026 across domestic routes and services to Asia and Europe, citing sharply higher fuel costs and softer passenger demand during the traditional low-season travel period.

Rising Fuel Costs in Thailand Threaten to Push Grocery Prices Higher

In a notice issued on Friday, the national carrier said it has prepared options to help agents and passengers manage the changes, which will affect a wide swath of its network from the first day of May through the end of the month. The reductions come as airlines worldwide grapple with volatile oil prices and shifting travel patterns in the post-pandemic era, with many carriers scaling back capacity during the slower months between the peak Songkran holiday and the start of the European summer travel season.

On the domestic front, Thai Airways will cut frequencies on several key routes from the Northeast. Flights to Khon Kaen will be reduced from four per day to three per day throughout May, while service to Udon Thani will drop from three daily flights to two. Ubon Ratchathani will see a more modest reduction, falling from two daily flights, or 14 flights per week, to 12 flights per week between May 5 and May 28. The cuts reflect softer demand on routes serving the agricultural heartland of Isan, where travel tends to slow after the Songkran exodus.

International reductions are more extensive, spanning ASEAN neighbours, North Asia, South Asia and Europe. Within the region, flights to Phnom Penh will be cut from two daily flights, or 14 per week, to 11 flights per week between May 2 and May 30. Service to Singapore will drop from five daily flights to four for the entire month of May.

North Asia sees some of the deepest cuts. Tokyo’s Narita airport will see service reduced from three daily flights to two between May 11 and May 31, excluding May 29. Beijing and Shanghai will each drop from two daily flights to one for most of May, while Seoul’s Incheon airport will see a dramatic reduction from three daily flights to just one between May 8 and May 31. Taipei will drop from three daily flights to two between May 6 and May 31, and Hong Kong will fall from four daily flights to three over the same period. The route to Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan will be suspended entirely from May 8 to May 31, having previously operated one flight daily.

South Asia services are also being trimmed. Flights to Hyderabad will drop from daily, or seven flights per week, to five flights per week between May 4 and May 27. Mumbai will see service cut from two daily flights to one for the entire month of May, while Delhi will see a more modest reduction from 22 flights per week to 21 between May 1 and May 29.

European routes, which are typically the most fuel-intensive and therefore most vulnerable to rising oil prices, will see significant frequency cuts during the latter half of May. Istanbul will drop from daily service to five flights per week between May 11 and May 27. Frankfurt will fall from two daily flights, or 14 per week, to 12 flights per week between May 18 and May 27. Munich, Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm will each be reduced from daily service to five flights per week during similar late-May windows.

Rising Fuel Costs Force Fishing Fleets Across Thailand to Dock

The airline’s decision to trim capacity during what is traditionally a softer demand period makes strategic sense, but the breadth of the cuts suggests that Thai Airways is feeling significant pressure from rising fuel costs. With the Middle East conflict showing no signs of resolution and global energy prices remaining volatile, the national carrier is taking preemptive action to protect its bottom line. Passengers booked on affected flights are being advised to contact their ticket agents or the airline directly for rebooking options. Whether the cuts will be extended beyond May will likely depend on how fuel prices and demand trends evolve in the coming weeks.

-Thailand News (TN)

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Greek police fast-track toxicology tests in probe …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Greek investigators say they are prioritizing toxicology testing in hopes of determining within days how a Scottish woman died after her body was discovered inside a suitcase in Athens. Elisabeth-Jane Ross, 38, was found in an abandoned building in the Kypseli district of the Greek capital on July 18, reportedly by a homeless man who came across the body. Known to family as Lisa, she is believed to have traveled to Greece from Edinburgh in late June and was reported missing on July 15. Greek authorities are also working to locate American friends of Lisa’s who they say were staying in the same Kypseli area at the time she disappeared. Police have not yet determined whether her death is being treated as a homicide. A post mortem examination is currently underway, and investigators say toxicology results could help establish whether foul play was involved in her death. Such tests typically take anywhere from several weeks to a few months to complete, depending on case complexity and the workload of forensic laboratories. However, police spokesperson Konstantina Dimoglidou told a Scottish broadcaster on Saturday that authorities have made the case a priority and expect results within days, saying investigators need answers on how she died without further delay. According to police accounts, Lisa initially stayed in the Keratsini area, located roughly six miles west of central Athens, with Greek friends. She told them that on July 15 she planned to travel to Kypseli to meet American friends or acquaintances. Investigators are now trying to identify those individuals. Officials also noted that her mobile phone continued transmitting a signal and sending messages for several days after her death is believed to have occurred. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed Wednesday that it is providing consular support to Lisa’s family and remains in contact with Greek authorities. Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney described the case as absolutely appalling and said the Scottish government and the FCDO would continue supporting her family. Police Scotland said it is also providing assistance to the family as the investigation continues.

  • | | |

    Naqvi meets Araghchi in Tehran amid US-Iran mediat…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on Tuesday as diplomatic efforts continue to ease tensions between Iran and the United States. The meeting focused on regional developments and matters of mutual interest. Iranian state media reported that the two ministers also discussed diplomatic and bilateral issues. The meeting took place against the backdrop of continuing efforts to find a diplomatic way forward in the US-Iran conflict. Pakistan has remained engaged with regional partners as part of efforts to support dialogue and reduce tensions. Iranian officials said Naqvi is expected to hold additional meetings with senior authorities during his visit to Tehran. Discussions are expected to cover bilateral relations, regional developments and issues affecting both countries. The visit also comes around a month after Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Islamabad. During that visit, Pakistani and Iranian officials held discussions on bilateral cooperation and regional matters. Pakistan has maintained diplomatic contacts with both sides during the recent crisis. Islamabad has also sought to encourage dialogue as tensions between Tehran and Washington have increased. Pakistan, along with Qatar, previously played a role in diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing Iran and the United States closer to an understanding. These efforts contributed to a memorandum of understanding between the two sides in June. The latest meeting between Naqvi and Araghchi is therefore being viewed in the context of Islamabad’s broader diplomatic engagement with Tehran. Officials have not released detailed information about the specific issues discussed during Tuesday’s meeting. Further details are expected after Naqvi completes his scheduled engagements with Iranian officials.

  • | |

    Margaret Qualley, Jack Antonoff not ready to give …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff have reportedly decided that their relationship has reached its end, with new reports suggesting the former couple has no plans to reconcile following their recent separation. After nearly three years of marriage, the actress and music producer are said to be moving forward with their lives while continuing to treat one another with kindness and respect. Although their split has saddened fans, sources insist the breakup remains amicable and free from the drama often associated with celebrity relationships.  According to multiple reports, an insider revealed that Qualley and Antonoff have “no plans to reconcile.” While they remain in contact and continue communicating respectfully, both have accepted that their romantic journey together has come to an end. The source added that the pair are handling the separation with maturity, focusing on compassion rather than conflict as they navigate this new chapter.  The couple’s split first became public earlier this month, nearly three years after they tied the knot in an intimate New Jersey wedding in August 2023. They began dating in 2021, quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most admired couples before getting engaged in 2022. Rumors of trouble intensified after Antonoff attended Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding without Qualley, while fans also noticed that the actress had quietly removed several wedding-related photos from her social media accounts.  Despite widespread speculation, representatives for Qualley have strongly denied rumors that infidelity or trust issues played any role in the separation. In an official statement, her spokesperson emphasized that reports suggesting betrayal were “categorically untrue” and stressed that the relationship ended with mutual respect and care. The statement also urged the public to avoid believing anonymous rumors and to respect the former couple’s privacy during this difficult period.  Both stars now appear focused on their respective careers. Qualley has returned to filming Possession, a remake of the acclaimed 1981 psychological horror film, marking her first public appearance since the breakup. Meanwhile, Antonoff has resumed his daily routine and continues working on music projects with his band Bleachers. Reports also note that the band has quietly removed the song “Margaret,” originally written in honor of Qualley, from its current tour setlist.  Although the end of their marriage has disappointed many fans, insiders insist there is no lingering bitterness between the two. Instead, both are choosing to move forward with grace while supporting each other’s personal and professional futures. Their respectful approach serves as a reminder that not every high-profile breakup is defined by conflict or controversy.  For now, Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff appear committed to separate paths. While they are not expected to give their romance another chance, they remain determined to preserve the mutual admiration and kindness that once formed the foundation of their relationship. As they focus on new opportunities and fresh beginnings, fans will undoubtedly continue cheering for both stars in the next chapters of their lives. 

  • | |

    Nawaz interviews candidates for AJK reserved seats

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership has accelerated consultations over the formation of the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), with party supremo Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz interviewing candidates for reserved seats. The interviews were held in Murree on Sunday for five women’s reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly. PML-N AJK regional president Shah Ghulam Qadir and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah also attended the meeting. The party leadership reviewed the profiles of several women seeking PML-N tickets. The interviews reportedly lasted between five and 10 minutes for each candidate. Among those interviewed were Maryam Kashmiri, president of the PML-N AJK Women’s Wing, secretary general Nasira Azeem Khan, former reserved-seat MLA Sehrish Qamar, former Assembly member Nisara Abbasi, Maryam Idrees, Maria Iqbal Tarana and Zareeda Nisar. The widow of late Raja Abid Khan of Dadyal also appeared before the leadership. Her son, Raja Shoaib Abid, had withdrawn from the electoral contest in support of PML-N candidate and MLA-elect Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq. The PML-N leadership praised the participation of women in the recent AJK elections. The party said women had played an active and important role in the electoral process and described their involvement as a positive development for democracy. The PML-N has emerged as the largest party following the recent AJK elections. It secured 25 directly elected seats and has the support of an allied member. Based on its strength in the Assembly, the party is expected to win four of the five reserved seats for women. The party is also expected to secure the remaining three reserved seats allocated to religious scholars or Mashaikh, overseas state subjects, and technocrats and other professionals. The AJK Election Commission has scheduled polling for all eight reserved seats for August 24. The voting will take place at the AJK Legislative Assembly Hall in Muzaffarabad from 10am to 1pm. Candidates will submit nomination papers on August 20. The scrutiny process will be completed the same day, while appeals against decisions regarding nominations can be filed on August 21. The Election Commission will hear the appeals on August 22. Candidates will have until August 23 to withdraw their nominations, after which the final list of contestants will be issued. The AJK Assembly comprises 53 members. Of these, 45 are elected through direct voting, while eight seats are reserved for specific categories. However, elections could not be held in seven constituencies because of the law and order situation in parts of Poonch and Sudhnoti districts. As a result, 38 directly elected members will take part in the process of electing candidates to the reserved seats. Meanwhile, the Election Commission also issued notifications confirming the victories of PPP candidate Sardar Ziaul Qamar and PML-N candidate Sardar Mir Akbar in Bagh district. Qamar was declared successful from LA-15 Central Bagh, while Akbar was declared the returned candidate from LA-16 Eastern Bagh. Their notifications formally completed the electoral process in the two constituencies.

  • | | |

    Three Pakistanis killed in Houthi attack on vessel

    ByJustpaste.in

    Three Pakistani sailors were among four crew members killed after a commercial vessel came under attack in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on Tuesday, according to Yemen’s Ministry of Transportation. The Yemeni-flagged vessel, identified as Tihamah, was carrying food supplies when it was reportedly struck by three ballistic missiles while sailing through the strategically important waterway. The attack set the vessel on fire and caused significant damage, the ministry said. Four other crew members were wounded, while a member of the rescue team also sustained injuries. The ministry said another missile was fired at the vessel while rescue teams were trying to reach the crew. It accused the attackers of attempting to disrupt the rescue operation and increase the number of casualties. The ministry condemned the incident and described the attack as a serious threat to maritime security and international trade. It also warned that attacks on commercial vessels carrying essential goods could affect food and consumer supplies in Yemen. There was no immediate statement from the Houthis regarding the reported attack. According to maritime security sources, the crew lost control of the vessel after the attack. Yemeni coastguard personnel moved towards the ship, but the responding forces reportedly came under fire. The incident occurred near Perim Island, a strategically important location close to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. A British maritime security organisation said the vessel was reportedly at anchor northeast of the island when it was struck. The ship was reportedly carrying food supplies and had departed from the government-controlled Yemeni port of Al-Mokha on Saturday. Maritime data indicates that shipping activity through the Bab al-Mandeb and Red Sea has fallen sharply amid continuing security concerns. Traffic through the strategic waterway has declined by more than half compared with levels recorded before an earlier wave of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. The latest restrictions have further reduced shipping activity in the region. Industry data showed that an average of about 32 vessels passed through the strait each day last week, compared with around 50 before the latest blockade was announced. The Bab al-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a major international shipping route. Any prolonged disruption could affect the movement of food, fuel and other essential goods between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The incident also adds to concerns over the safety of Pakistani nationals amid the widening regional conflict.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *