Thailand is gearing up for a significant increase in tourist traffic for Chinese New Year and is introducing new technology to speed up the check-in process.
Thai authorities expect a significant increase in passenger traffic in connection with the upcoming Chinese New Year, which in 2025 falls on January 29. The Department of Airports of Thailand (DoA) assures full readiness to receive many travelers and reports on large-scale safety and quality of service inspections at all subordinate airports. Special attention is being paid to second-tier airports, where passenger traffic is forecast to increase by at least 14.3% compared to last year.
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri said the ministry had directed DoA to comprehensively assess airports’ readiness to serve passengers during the Chinese New Year celebrations. Special emphasis has been placed on airports in cities such as Lampang, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Sakonnakhon, and Surat Thani, where large-scale celebrations are planned. According to Ms. Charoensri, these events are boosting tourism in nearby provinces.
In anticipation of increased demand, Thai Lion Air has applied for more charter flights on the Taipei-Surat Thani-Don Myang route on January 29 and Don Myang-Surat Thani-Taipei on February 2. Given the expected influx of tourists in Surat Thani, a Boeing 737-800 with a capacity of 189 passengers is planned for these additional flights.
To speed up check-in, boarding passes, and baggage handling, DoA is actively implementing the CUPPS (Common Use Passenger Processing System) at all airports. So far, this system is already operational at Surat Thani, Ubonratchathani, Khon Kaen, Nakhonsithammarat, and Phitsanulok airports. According to Ms Charoensri, implementing CUPPS will enable airports and airlines to optimize management costs and resource utilization.
In addition, the DoA offers the Thai Flight Info mobile app, which provides up-to-date information on airport operations, flight schedules, and status. The department also cooperates with the Ministry of Transportation to ensure the comfortable and smooth movement of tourists by Minister Surya Jungrungriangriangkit’s directive. Flight safety is guaranteed by adhering to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
DoA Director General Danai Raungsorn said 1,380 flights are expected at 26 airports under DoA control from January 27 to 31, up 4.62% from last year. Passenger traffic is projected at 221,005, an increase of 14.32% over last year. Mr. Raungsorn stressed that DoA guarantees high service and safety by international aviation safety standards.
Thus, Thailand is carefully preparing to welcome tourists for the Chinese New Year celebrations, taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. The development of tourism infrastructure, the introduction of modern technologies, and cooperation with international organizations have allowed Thailand to strengthen its position as one of the leading tourist destinations in the world.
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