AirAsia may launch Hua Hin flights

AirAsia Bhd's Airbus A320: The Malaysia-based parent of AirAsia Group aims to descend to Hua Hin from Kuala Lumpur in December. (Photo: AirAsia)

Malaysia's AirAsia has indicated the possibility of launching the first regular international flight to Hua Hin in December.

The no-frills carrier intends to offer a daily service from Kuala Lumpur airport 2 (Klia2) to Hua Hin airport with Airbus A320 narrow-body jets.

The plans can only be confirmed once the Ministry of Transport approves a package of incentives that the airline has requested to make the flight viable, Darun Saengchai, director general of the Department of Airports, told the Bangkok Post yesterday.

He did not disclose when the approval is expected, saying only that it should not take too long if the airline is to meet the planned launch date.

He also did not specify the extent of incentives AirAsia asked for, but insisted that they will not be exclusive to the Malaysian airline, but also offered to others wanting to start international flights to Hua Hin.

Insiders yesterday confirmed to the Post that AirAsia asked departments to waive parking and landing fees and halve the passenger service charge (airport tax), which is at 400 baht for international passengers, for up to five years and reduce office space rental charges at the airport.

AirAsia has also asked for a US$15 (500 baht) cash incentive for each international passenger it brings on the flight.

Officials from local government, state agencies and the private sector held a meeting last week in the district of Prachuap Khiri Khan to make arrangements for the planned AirAsia flight launch.

AirAsia yesterday would not confirm details of its planned Hua Hin flight launch.

The department, local authorities and the Hua Hin tourism and hospitality industry are enthusiastic about AirAsia's plan, which will address the lack of regular commercial flights to the vacation destination.

Commercial air services to Hua Hin were sporadic in the past, and airlines retreated due to inadequate passenger traffic volumes.

Thailand's commuter airline Kan Air was the last to stop its limited domestic flights to Hua Hin early this year due to aircraft issues.

Earlier, no-frills Thai Lion Air dropped its Hat Yai-Hua Hin flights.