In a major development for Southeast Asian travel, Thai AirAsia has officially launched its first-ever direct service between Phuket, Thailand (HKT) and Medan, Indonesia (KNO). The inaugural flight received a festive welcome at Phuket International Airport, arriving with a remarkable load factor of over 95%—a strong indicator of the route’s promising potential. This launch signifies a strategic expansion of AirAsia’s cross-border network and highlights the airline’s ongoing commitment to promoting accessible, high-value travel across the ASEAN region.
Cultural Celebration Marks Route Launch
The arrival of the maiden flight was marked with a grand welcome ceremony jointly hosted by Phuket International Airport, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and the Indonesian Consulate in Songkhla. Passengers were greeted with warm smiles, traditional hospitality, and commemorative souvenirs—underscoring the significance of this new connection between two culturally rich destinations.
Ms. Tansita Akrarittipirom, Head of Commercial for Thai AirAsia, shared her optimism: “We are thrilled to officially link Medan and Phuket, two tourism-centric cities with vibrant cultures. The full cabin on the first flight affirms the demand for convenient and affordable regional travel. We believe this service will contribute meaningfully to tourism and economic development in both countries.”
Boosting Phuket’s Status as a Regional Aviation Hub
According to Mr. Arun Lilapantisitti, Phuket Station Manager for Thai AirAsia, the new Medan route marks a pivotal moment in Phuket’s emergence as a key operational base. He emphasized that AirAsia’s Phuket team, primarily composed of locals, plays a vital role in supporting tourism and the island’s broader economic growth. “We are proud to be part of Phuket’s development into a world-class travel destination,” he said.
The route is operated four times weekly—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—using the airline’s efficient Airbus A320 aircraft. This frequency caters to growing demand among Indonesian travelers seeking beach destinations that offer diverse attractions, from nature adventures to relaxing escapes.
Moreover, the service enhances access to AirAsia’s broader network through Phuket, allowing for seamless connections to both domestic and international routes.
Expanding Southeast Asia’s Travel Grid
The new Phuket–Medan service aligns with AirAsia’s mission to position Phuket as a vital aviation hub within Southeast Asia. It reflects broader efforts by the Thai government and regional partners to encourage greater mobility, integration, and tourism exchange within the ASEAN bloc.
Phuket now stands as Thai AirAsia’s third largest hub, with two aircraft stationed at the airport. The carrier already offers direct international flights from Phuket to Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, and Siem Reap—bringing the total number of international destinations served from the island to five.
Domestically, Thai AirAsia operates up to 14 daily flights to Don Mueang (Bangkok), five daily to Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok), and four daily to Chiang Mai—providing robust coverage across key Thai cities and ensuring flexibility for both business and leisure travelers.
Reaffirming Excellence in Low-Cost Aviation
This network growth comes as Thai AirAsia celebrates its latest accolade from Skytrax, where it was named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 16th consecutive year. The recognition reflects the airline’s dedication to delivering consistent service excellence while keeping air travel affordable and inclusive.
AirAsia’s commitment to expanding regional travel options—combined with high-frequency service, community engagement, and reliable operations—has strengthened its brand as a leader in low-cost aviation across Asia-Pacific.
Outlook: Stronger Ties and New Tourism Opportunities
The launch of direct flights between Phuket and Medan signals a new chapter in tourism collaboration between Thailand and Indonesia. As ASEAN member nations continue to focus on recovery, resilience, and intra-regional travel, services like this one support both economic revitalization and cultural exchange.
By providing a direct air bridge between two of the region’s key leisure markets, Thai AirAsia is helping stimulate tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties—further integrating Southeast Asia’s growing travel ecosystem.
With the success of this inaugural route, industry analysts expect more strategic routes to follow, supporting regional demand and strengthening AirAsia’s role in transforming Phuket into a true gateway to ASEAN.
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