Thailand’s Airports Brace For Peak Holiday Traffic As Special Flights And Fare Reductions Roll Out To Accommodate The Growing Number Of New Year Holiday Travelers

Thailand’s air travel sector is experiencing an unprecedented surge ahead of the 2026 New Year holiday, with passenger numbers reaching near pre-pandemic levels. This surge in demand has prompted authorities to take proactive steps, including expanding seat capacity and reducing airfares, to ensure smooth travel during the peak period. As passenger volumes continue to climb, both domestic and international travel are seeing significant growth, and special flights have been arranged to accommodate the increased traffic. The government’s response aims to support both local and international travelers, offering them more affordable and accessible options for enjoying Thailand’s vibrant destinations this holiday season.

Air travel in Thailand has experienced a notable surge ahead of the 2026 New Year holiday, with passenger numbers steadily climbing throughout December. As a result, authorities have taken several measures to expand seat capacity and lower airfares to accommodate the increase in travelers, ensuring that the upcoming holiday season runs smoothly for both domestic and international passengers.

By December 21, Thai airports had processed approximately 479,979 passengers. This total included roughly 208,040 domestic travelers and 271,939 international passengers. The overall passenger volume is nearing pre-pandemic levels, and the authorities predict a sharp increase in traffic between December 27 and January 4. The ongoing recovery of air travel in Thailand is evident as passenger numbers approach or even exceed pre-pandemic figures, with domestic and international markets both seeing growth.

International travel between Thailand and China has shown significant improvement. Approximately 19,852 passengers traveled between Thailand and China by December 21, accounting for about 75 percent of pre-COVID passenger traffic. Additionally, travelers arriving from India reached 10,616, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by approximately 10 percent. This growth in international travel is a strong indicator of Thailand’s growing attractiveness as a destination for tourists, especially from neighboring countries in Asia.

On the domestic front, air travel also remained robust, with Don Mueang Airport handling an average of 63,981 passengers per day. This made Don Mueang the busiest airport in Thailand in terms of daily domestic flights. Suvarnabhumi Airport, which serves as a major hub for international and domestic travel, saw approximately 36,499 passengers per day. Other regional airports, including Chiang Mai and Phuket, each served around 20,000 passengers daily. This sustained demand across both primary and secondary airports highlights the continued strength of domestic travel in Thailand.

In response to the increased travel demand, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) arranged 66 special flights to expand capacity. These additional flights added a total of 11,312 seats on routes connecting Bangkok to several popular destinations such as Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Trang, and Samui. These new flights are designed to provide more options for travelers, particularly during peak travel periods when demand typically exceeds available capacity.

Alongside the addition of special flights, airlines have also made efforts to lower ticket prices. They have reduced fares by up to 30 percent from the maximum ceiling price, offering 36,620 discounted seats across 202 flights on 11 popular routes. These routes include services from Bangkok to destinations such as Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Phuket, Chumphon, and other major tourist spots. By making these routes more affordable, airlines hope to make air travel more accessible to a larger segment of the population and encourage more people to travel domestically during the holiday season.

To support the growing demand, several support agencies have implemented additional measures. Airports of Thailand, for example, has reduced landing and parking charges by 30 percent for flights participating in the special flight program. This reduction is aimed at easing the financial burden on airlines and promoting more affordable travel options. Furthermore, the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand has lowered air navigation service charges for domestic special flights operating through January 4. These actions are intended to keep operating costs down and ensure that airlines can offer competitive fares to passengers during the busy travel period.

The Department of Airports has also taken steps to manage the surge in passenger numbers by extending operational hours. This extended schedule will help accommodate the increased volume of flights and passengers, allowing airports to remain open longer to handle more arrivals and departures. The extra operational time ensures that airports can maintain smooth and efficient services during the busy holiday season.

Travelers planning to fly during this period are encouraged to take advantage of the discounted fares and expanded flight options. They are advised to book tickets directly from airlines, as this often offers the best deals and the most up-to-date information on available seats. Additionally, travelers should remain flexible with their travel dates to secure the best possible fares, as demand for flights is expected to peak during the end-of-year holiday period.

Thailand’s air travel is experiencing a significant surge ahead of the 2026 New Year holiday, driven by increased demand as passenger numbers approach pre-pandemic levels. In response, authorities are expanding seat capacity and reducing fares to accommodate the growing influx of travelers.

In summary, Thailand’s air travel sector is experiencing a strong recovery heading into the 2026 New Year holiday season. With both domestic and international passenger numbers on the rise, the government and airline operators are making concerted efforts to accommodate the increased demand. By expanding seat capacity, lowering airfares, and implementing additional support measures, they aim to ensure that travelers have a smooth and affordable experience during this busy period. With special flights and discounted fares available, it is an excellent time for both locals and tourists to enjoy Thailand’s vibrant destinations and warm hospitality.

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China’s New Visa-Free Policy For Russian Tourists Ignites A Tourism Boom In Shanghai, Contributing To A Surge In International Arrivals

China’s Shanghai has emerged as a leading global tourism destination in 2025, driven by a surge in international arrivals and strategic initiatives that have significantly boosted its tourism sector. The city’s impressive growth in foreign visitors is largely attributed to China’s relaxed visa policies, enhanced tourism services, and the introduction of new offerings that cater to a wide range of travelers. With a dynamic blend of modern urban landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Shanghai is positioning itself as a top choice for tourists, especially as independent travel continues to rise. This rapid growth, coupled with key international markets like South Korea, Japan, and Russia contributing to the increase, underscores Shanghai’s growing importance on the world’s tourism map.

Shanghai’s tourism sector has experienced significant growth in 2025, with a marked increase in international visitors. According to the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, the city saw 6.29 million visits by foreign passport holders in the first 11 months of the year, representing a nearly 50% increase compared to the same period in 2024. In total, Shanghai welcomed 8.28 million inbound tourists from January to November, reflecting a 40% rise year on year. This figure surpasses the total number of international visitors recorded for the entire year of 2024, underscoring the city’s growing appeal as a global tourism hub.

One of the key contributors to Shanghai’s impressive growth in tourist arrivals has been the Republic of Korea, which remained the largest and fastest-growing source of foreign visitors to the city. The number of Korean tourists nearly doubled, with 805,000 visits registered in the first 11 months of 2025, marking an increase of 111.4% compared to the previous year. Japan and the United States followed closely, with 584,000 and 490,000 visits, respectively. Other markets, including Indonesia and Italy, also saw significant growth in the number of tourists traveling to Shanghai, further contributing to the city’s overall rise in international visitors.

The surge in inbound tourism is largely attributed to several factors, particularly China’s relaxed visa policies and the improvement of its tourism services. These initiatives have not only made it easier for travelers to visit Shanghai, but they have also created a more enjoyable and efficient experience for those already on the ground. The city has expanded its range of tourism offerings, providing diverse experiences that appeal to a wide variety of travelers. These include cultural tours, immersive exhibitions, and modern entertainment options, which together create a compelling destination for both seasoned tourists and first-time visitors.

In addition to the general boost in international arrivals, the implementation of a visa-free policy for Russian citizens has played a pivotal role in driving tourism growth. Since September 15, 2025, China has allowed Russian passport holders to enter the country without a visa, a policy set to remain in place until September 14, 2026. This policy change has had a particularly notable impact on Russian tourist numbers. In November 2025 alone, visits from Russia exceeded 50,000, marking a year-on-year increase of more than 70%. This surge in Russian tourism helped to push Shanghai’s overall visitor numbers higher and led growth among major source markets that month.

The trend of increasing independent travel has also contributed to Shanghai’s tourism boom. More visitors are opting to explore the city on their own rather than through guided tours, reflecting a broader shift in global travel patterns. This change has placed new demands on Shanghai’s public services, requiring the city to expand and adapt its infrastructure to accommodate a growing number of independent travelers. From transportation networks to visitor information services, the city is responding to these demands by enhancing its services and ensuring a smoother, more convenient experience for tourists.

As the New Year holiday approaches, Shanghai is further investing in its tourism sector by launching 120 new tourism routes across all 16 districts of the city. These routes are designed to showcase both Shanghai’s modern urban landscapes and its rich cultural heritage. The city has focused on offering a diverse range of experiences that cater to different interests, whether travelers are looking for traditional cultural experiences, contemporary art, or immersive local tours. By blending modernity with tradition, these new routes offer a comprehensive exploration of Shanghai’s dynamic character.

Shanghai’s efforts to improve its tourism offerings go beyond just expanding the number of routes available. The city is also prioritizing immersive experiences that allow visitors to engage with local culture in a more meaningful way. This approach reflects Shanghai’s understanding of the evolving preferences of tourists, who are increasingly looking for authentic and interactive experiences. Whether through art exhibitions, local food tours, or guided walks through historic neighborhoods, Shanghai is working hard to ensure that its tourism sector remains attractive to a broad spectrum of visitors.

In addition to the city’s efforts to boost tourism, the local government has made significant strides in promoting tourism at the district level. District-level tourism promotion campaigns are playing an increasingly important role in attracting visitors to less-explored areas of Shanghai, helping to spread the economic benefits of tourism across the entire city. By highlighting the unique offerings of each district, Shanghai is ensuring that visitors have access to a wide range of attractions and experiences, whether they are interested in the vibrant arts scene in the former French Concession or the cutting-edge architecture of the Pudong district.

China’s Shanghai has become a top global tourism destination in 2025, fueled by relaxed visa policies, improved tourism services, and a growing interest in independent travel. These factors have contributed to a significant surge in international visitors.

Looking ahead, Shanghai’s tourism industry is well-positioned to continue its growth in 2026 and beyond. With its strategic investments in tourism infrastructure, its focus on offering diverse and immersive experiences, and its commitment to providing top-quality services, the city is likely to remain one of the world’s most visited destinations. As travel restrictions continue to ease globally, Shanghai will undoubtedly continue to benefit from its robust tourism offerings, attracting millions of visitors eager to experience the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

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