Vietjet presses on with Udon plans

Vietjet Thailand is pushing ahead with its expansion plans despite ongoing challenges from volatile fuel prices and cautious consumer spending. The airline's chief executive Woranate Laprabang acknowledged that the conflict in the Middle East continues to create uncertainty around fuel costs, and that travellers are likely to maintain a wait-and-see approach through the low season. Despite this, the airline expects a positive fourth quarter performance, citing Thailand's position as Asia's leading tourism destination.

A key part of the airline's growth strategy is the development of Udon Thani as a regional hub for northeastern Thailand. Udon Thani airport handled more than 2 million passengers last year according to the Airports Department, and the city is set to host a Horticultural Expo from November through to March next year. Vietjet Thailand plans to increase its Bangkok to Udon Thani service from two to four daily flights by September, with a possible increase to five daily flights if demand holds strong. The airline is also studying the feasibility of a direct route between Udon Thani and a Vietnamese city such as Ho Chi Minh City to support two-way tourism.

The airline has also introduced a new service called SkyConX at Udon Thani airport, allowing passengers travelling to Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam via Suvarnabhumi to check in, drop off baggage and complete immigration formalities at their departure airport before continuing to their final destination.

On the fleet side, Vietjet Thailand currently operates 11 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft and 12 Airbus A320 and A321 planes. By the end of this year it expects to operate 25 Boeing 737 planes and four A320 aircraft, with a longer-term target of 50 jets by 2028. For the upcoming cool season, the airline plans to increase frequencies to Osaka and Tokyo, and launch a new Phuket to Taipei to Fukuoka route.

The chief executive also called on the government to support regional airport development through incentives for airlines, including reductions in landing fees and air navigation charges.

For business owners, investors and expats operating in Thailand, regional aviation growth often signals broader economic opportunity and improved connectivity across the country, which can have practical implications for business travel, logistics and tourism-related ventures.

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