Following a month-long suspension of flights, AirAsia Thailand has announced that it will be resuming its domestic operations from May 1, in line with a relaxation of government controls. Strict health controls and social distancing protocols will be enacted in compliance with regulations set by the Ministry of Public Health. 

These include selling a limited number of seats in order to facilitate alternate seat distancing onboard; social distancing measures on the shuttle buses and at service counters; mandatory mask-wearing throughout check-in process and flights, for boths guests and staff; a ban on food and beverage consumption and sales on board; temperature testing before boarding; encouragement of self check-in; and free bag checking (up to 7kg) to facilitate social distancing.

Regular disinfection of planes and shuttle buses will also take place, while staff will wear goggles and gloves. All of the aircrafts are fitted with hospital-grade HEPA Filters that protect against airborne contaminants such as viruses and bacteria.

Routes to be resumed include Don Mueang to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Panom, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Roi Et, Surat Thani, Trang, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani, as well as cross-region connection of Chiang Mai-Hat Yai. Stay tuned on their official Facebook page for further updates and new routes or visit the website.

Thai Lion Air will also be resuming operations on Friday, with similar health control and social distancing measures to AirAsia. Routes will include Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Surat Thani, Hat Yai and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Head to their website for further information.

Other airlines, including Nok Air and Bangkok Airways, also list many of their flight suspensions as ending on Apr 30.

Meanwhile, the temporary ban on all international flights to Thailand has been extended until the end of May (excluding those repatriating Thais).