Thai Air faces 'overwhelming demand' for its flight tickets: CFO

Thai Airways International (THAI) is experiencing a surge in demand for its flight tickets, particularly on European routes, as travelers shift away from Middle East transit hubs amid ongoing regional disruptions. According to the airline's Chief Executive Chai Eamsiri, bookings for Europe-bound flights have increased sharply, with most flights operating at near-full capacity. This shift has driven ticket prices to record levels, with one-way fares from Bangkok to London reaching 71,190 baht ($2,265), more than double pre-crisis levels.

The surge follows the closure of key Gulf airports, including Dubai International, which has slashed capacity on Asia-Europe routes. Thai Airways has avoided operational disruptions by rerouting flights via Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, adding only 5–10 minutes to flight durations. However, the broader industry faces challenges, including higher fuel costs and limited seat availability, which have pushed fares across the region to unprecedented levels.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) noted that international ticket prices—particularly to Europe—have risen by over 100% due to reduced capacity from Middle East carriers and strong demand for direct services. While Thai Airways' operations remain unaffected, the airline has seen a significant increase in inquiries for charter flights and alternative routing options.

Chai Eamsiri emphasized that dynamic pricing is currently dictating fare levels, reflecting heightened demand and constrained supply. The airline continues to monitor the situation closely, with no immediate plans to adjust its operational strategy. Analysts caution that further fare increases could emerge if global oil prices continue to rise, compounding costs for airlines and passengers alike.