In a milestone moment for Thailand’s aviation and regional development, EZY Airlines has successfully launched a direct air service reconnecting Hat Yai and Betong—a strategic move that dramatically enhances access to Thailand’s remote southern border. The new route replaces what was once a grueling six-hour journey through winding mountain roads with a quick and convenient 45-minute flight, offering a lifeline to tourism and economic revitalization in Yala province.
The inaugural flight, EZT111, took off from Hat Yai International Airport on June 27, 2025, and landed safely at Betong Airport, marking the return of commercial aviation to the deep south after nearly three years of dormancy. The launch was celebrated by local communities and tourism stakeholders alike, who view this development as a critical step forward in reconnecting Betong to Thailand’s national transport network.
A Game-Changer for Access to Southern Thailand
Until now, Betong—a scenic town in the forested hills of Yala province—could only be reached via a lengthy, mountainous road journey. The new route, operating with a 12-seat Cessna Grand Caravan, cuts travel time significantly, providing relief to tourists, local residents, government officials, and cross-border traders alike.
The flight covers just 152 kilometers, officially the shortest commercial air route in Thailand. With scheduled services on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, tickets are competitively priced starting at 3,100 baht (excluding VAT). The service is tailored for weekend travelers, offering efficient and regular access between urban Hat Yai and the culturally rich town of Betong.
Hat Yai as a Strategic Aviation Hub
Hat Yai International Airport has been positioned as EZY Airlines’ operational base for launching short-haul routes throughout the southern region. By focusing on underserved markets and using smaller, fuel-efficient aircraft, the airline is pioneering a model of regional connectivity that addresses long-standing logistical gaps in Thailand’s transportation grid.
This strategy not only increases flight frequency between regional centers but also enhances accessibility to towns that rarely receive attention from major carriers. EZY Airlines aims to replicate this model across the country, with Betong as a blueprint for success.
Revitalizing Betong Airport and Local Tourism
The reopening of Betong Airport represents a revival of infrastructure that had fallen into disuse. Despite initial investments and enthusiasm in 2022, attempts to run direct flights from Bangkok were unsustainable due to low passenger volumes and operational limitations.
EZY Airlines has taken a more tailored approach. The Cessna Grand Caravan requires less runway space, is cost-effective, and does not rely on in-air refueling—a key limitation that previously hindered Betong Airport’s viability. This shift in strategy is designed to maintain long-term operations by focusing on short-haul demand and lower-cost execution.
The timing of the route relaunch also aligns with a renewed interest in domestic and cross-border tourism. With Betong’s average annual footfall exceeding 1.6 million visitors—many drawn by its cool climate, hot springs, skywalks, and rich southern Thai culture—the improved connectivity is expected to boost hotel occupancy, restaurant footfall, and local retail activity.
Driving Regional Economic Inclusion
The implications of this route go far beyond tourism. By reconnecting Betong with one of Thailand’s key southern aviation nodes, EZY Airlines is also facilitating smoother access for logistics companies, aid organizations, government workers, and small traders. This aligns with the Thai government’s broader initiative to promote economic inclusion in the border provinces, particularly those that have faced infrastructure and investment neglect for decades.
Improved air connectivity can also stimulate regional exports, tourism-linked entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange, paving the way for Betong to more fully participate in Thailand’s national growth narrative.
Passenger-Centric Travel Innovation
For travelers, the benefits of this route are immediate and substantial. Whether visiting for business, leisure, or family reasons, passengers can now skip the fatigue of long-distance road travel and arrive in Betong in under an hour. The simplicity and frequency of the service are expected to appeal to a wide spectrum of passengers—from tourists seeking new adventure circuits in southern Thailand to business operators exploring investment opportunities in emerging markets.
EZY Airlines is also exploring future collaborations with local tour operators and hospitality providers to develop packaged experiences and seamless onward travel services from both ends of the route.
A Model for Regional Aviation Success
This launch sets the stage for a potentially transformative shift in how regional aviation can be sustainably executed in Thailand. With its low-overhead, high-impact model, EZY Airlines demonstrates how small aircraft and targeted scheduling can unlock the potential of underutilized airports while supporting economic and tourism development.
As Thailand continues to rebuild its travel sector post-pandemic, Betong’s revival serves as both a case study and a symbol—proof that even the most remote destinations can thrive when smart infrastructure meets real community demand.
Conclusion
EZY Airlines’ new Hat Yai–Betong route is more than just a commercial flight—it’s a lifeline for Thailand’s far south. By restoring efficient, affordable air connectivity, the airline is helping drive tourism, stimulate economic activity, and reconnect an isolated region with the rest of the country. For Betong, the skies are no longer the limit—they’re the future.
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