Thai AirAsia
Airline Statistics
169
Active Routes3416
Flight Observations61
Unique Destinations67
Origin Airports794
Avg Route Distance (mi)2541
Longest Route (mi)7
Domestic Routes93
International RoutesAbout Thai AirAsia
Thai AirAsia (ICAO: AIQ) is a prominent Thai low-cost airline that commenced operations on February 4, 2004. It was established on November 12, 2003, as a joint venture between the Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia and Thailand's Shin Corporation, later known as Asia Aviation PLC, which currently holds a 55% stake. The airline's initial routes connected Bangkok–Don Mueang to Hat Yai, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
The airline's primary operational hub is Bangkok–Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), with operations also maintained at Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Additionally, Thai AirAsia operates from other key bases including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Krabi, and Phuket airports. Thai AirAsia primarily operates a fleet composed of Airbus A320 family aircraft, specifically Airbus A320-200 (A320ceo), Airbus A320neo, and Airbus A321neo. As of September 30, 2025, its fleet includes 44 A320ceo (180 seats), 11 A320neo (186 seats), and 7 A321neo (236 seats).
Thai AirAsia maintains an extensive route network, offering both domestic and international flights with a strong regional focus. It serves short-haul, point-to-point routes across Southeast Asia, India, and the southern part of China. As of November 2025, the airline flies to 25 domestic and 47 international destinations across 17 countries, with most routes originating from its Bangkok hubs. As a low-cost carrier, Thai AirAsia provides a single-class (economy) service. Passengers can choose between Standard Seats and Hot Seats, which are located at the front and emergency exit rows, offering more legroom. The airline operates its own loyalty program, BIG Loyalty Programme, and is not a member of major global airline alliances.
Traveler Reviews
Recent traveler reviews for Thai AirAsia highlight several positive aspects alongside common areas of complaint.
What Travelers Love:
- Punctuality and Efficiency: Many passengers commend Thai AirAsia for its reliable on-time performance and efficient boarding and operational processes.
- Affordable Fares: As a low-cost carrier, its competitive pricing is frequently praised, making air travel accessible for budget-conscious travelers.
- In-flight Food Quality: Surprisingly for a budget airline, some travelers express satisfaction with the variety and taste of pre-ordered in-flight meals, such as "Uncle Chin's chicken rice."
- Friendly Crew: The cabin crew is often described as polite, professional, and genuinely friendly, contributing to a pleasant travel experience.
Common Complaints:
- Strict Baggage Policy and Extra Charges: A recurring issue for travelers is the airline's stringent baggage allowance, with many reporting high fees for slightly overweight carry-on bags or unexpected charges at check-in if baggage was not adequately pre-booked or declared online.
- Poor Customer Service Accessibility: Passengers frequently report difficulties in contacting human customer service, often being directed to AI bots, leading to frustration when trying to resolve post-booking issues or secure refunds.
- Cramped Seating: Consistent with a low-cost model, seats are often described as narrow with limited legroom, particularly for taller individuals, which can be uncomfortable on longer short-haul flights.
- Flight Delays and Schedule Changes: Some reviews mention instances of flight delays and schedule alterations, occasionally without sufficient prior notice to passengers.
Overall, the sentiment towards Thai AirAsia is generally positive for those seeking budget-friendly travel, appreciating its efficiency and value. However, the airline often faces criticism regarding its inflexible ancillary policies and the perceived challenges in obtaining effective customer support for unforeseen circumstances.
Safety Information
Thai AirAsia has a commendable safety record, demonstrating a strong commitment to operational safety within the low-cost carrier segment.
- Recent safety record and any notable incidents: Thai AirAsia has not suffered any fatal accidents since its inception. While some non-fatal incidents have been reported, such as a hail strike, battery thermal runaway, smoke in the cockpit, landing on a wrong runway, and loss of cabin pressure, these incidents were managed without fatalities.
- Regulatory certifications: The airline holds the prestigious IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, an internationally recognized benchmark for airline operational management and control systems. This accreditation significantly enhances its safety standing. Furthermore, AirAsia Group, including Thai AirAsia, has been recertified with a 7/7 safety rating by AirlineRatings.com. The group also complies with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 145 approval, ensuring high maintenance and safety standards.
- Fleet age and maintenance reputation: Thai AirAsia operates a fleet primarily consisting of Airbus A320 family aircraft. As of September 30, 2025, the average age of its A320ceo fleet is 13.0 years, A320neo is 7.9 years, and A321neo is 2.3 years. The airline is known for its rigorous maintenance procedures and employs a highly experienced engineering team, contributing to the reliability of its fleet.
- Overall safety assessment based on available data: Based on its consistent IOSA certification, a 7/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com, and an absence of fatal accidents, Thai AirAsia maintains an excellent overall safety assessment. The airline prioritizes safety through comprehensive safety management systems, employee training, and strict adherence to operational standards.
- Any safety awards or recognitions: Thai AirAsia has received recognition for its safety and health protocols. It was awarded "The Best of SHA Awards 2021" for air transportation and "The Best of SHA 3-Star recognition" by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for its adherence to safety and health administration standards, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The AirAsia Group, including Thai AirAsia, has also been consistently recognized as one of the world's safest low-cost airlines.
Route Network Map
Most Popular Routes
Top Destinations
Top Origin Airports
Top Border Crossing Flights
Longest Routes
Shortest Routes
All Routes
169 Total Routes| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNX → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
201 | 353 mi | A21N | Jan 20, 2026 |
| HDY → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
176 | 483 mi | A21N | Jan 30, 2026 |
| KBV → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
170 | 417 mi | A21N | Jan 30, 2026 |
| SAI → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
165 | 246 mi | A320 | Jan 30, 2026 |
| KBV → BKK |
Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Int'l
Bangkok
|
88 | 404 mi | A320 | Jan 30, 2026 |
| VTE → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
86 | 310 mi | A320 | Jan 29, 2026 |
| MFM → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
83 | 1026 mi | A320 | Jan 29, 2026 |
| LPQ → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
83 | 427 mi | A320 | Jan 30, 2026 |
| CNX → BKK |
Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Int'l
Bangkok
|
78 | 371 mi | A320 | Nov 7, 2025 |
| CEI → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
69 | 420 mi | A320 | Jan 28, 2026 |
| URT → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
67 | 345 mi | A320 | Jan 26, 2026 |
| KBV → CNX |
Chiang Mai Int'l
Chiang Mai
|
66 | 738 mi | A320 | Jan 30, 2026 |
| HKT → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
65 | 430 mi | A320 | Jan 16, 2026 |
| RGN → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
64 | 363 mi | A320 | Jan 29, 2026 |
| CXR → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
59 | 595 mi | A320 | Jan 28, 2026 |
| HDY → BKK |
Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Int'l
Bangkok
|
59 | 467 mi | A320 | Jan 30, 2026 |
| TFU → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
58 | 1161 mi | A320 | Jan 30, 2026 |
| ROI → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
55 | 261 mi | A320 | Jan 25, 2026 |
| UBP → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
52 | 300 mi | A320 | Jan 25, 2026 |
| KOP → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
52 | 360 mi | A320 | Jan 24, 2026 |
| PHS → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
48 | 200 mi | A320 | Jan 24, 2026 |
| NNT → DMK |
Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l)
Bangkok
|
45 | 339 mi | A320 | Jan 24, 2026 |
| CNX → HKT |
Phuket Int'l
Phuket
|
42 | 738 mi | A320 | Jan 20, 2026 |
| CNX → KBV |
Krabi
Krabi
|
42 | 738 mi | A320 | Jan 20, 2026 |
| HDY → CNX |
Chiang Mai Int'l
Chiang Mai
|
41 | 824 mi | A320 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.
Last Update: Jan 30, 2026 18:01
Coverage: Observed routes only