Korat hopes return of flights will help province soar

Korat hopes return of flights will help province soar

The arrival of NewGen Airways in December gives traders and officials in Nakhon Ratchasima something to smile about. (Photo by Prasit Tangprasert)
The arrival of NewGen Airways in December gives traders and officials in Nakhon Ratchasima something to smile about. (Photo by Prasit Tangprasert)

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Local people have hailed an airline for putting their province back on the aviation map again, expressing hopes that it will boost trade, investment and tourism.

Korat residents have been without air service for more than two years. That changed on Sunday, when NewGen Airways confirmed regular flights to Chiang Mai and Phuket from Nakhon Ratchasima airport.

"We will definitely launch flights from Korat to Chiang Mai and Korat to Phuket on Dec 3," airline chief executive officer Jarunpong Sornprasit said.

Chatchawal Wongjorn, chairman of the Nakhon Ratchasima Chamber of Commerce, said the flights will open up more opportunities for traders, investors and tourists to the province.

"From now on, Korat's potential will be wide open," he said. 

Governor Wichien Chantharanothai said: "I am so excited. Like everybody in Nakhon Ratchasima, I want to see planes return to the province."

The last time Nakhon Ratchasima airport had regular flights was February-June 2015, with service operated by the Thai commuter airline Kan Air.

Nakhon Ratchasima airport director Prawat Duangkanya told the Bangkok Post in July that operating commercial flights between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima is not feasible for any airline.

But there are prospects for linking Nakhon Ratchasima airport to cities such as Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Phuket and Hat Yai, as these routes make more sense, he said.

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