Nok Air, Bangkok Airways and Malaysia's Firefly airline are interested in flying to Betong airport in Yala after its planned opening next year, according to the Department of Airports.
Director-general Ampawan Wannako said on Thursday that Nok Air wanted to operate direct flights between Betong and Don Mueang airports. Bangkok Airways also planned to extend its domestic service to Betong, and Firefly planned international flights to Betong.
The department would also invite other airlines from Malaysia and Singapore to use Betong airport, she said.
The 2-billion-baht airport was now 85% completed. It was designed to handle aircraft such as the ATR twin turbo-prop with 60-80 seats, Mrs Ampawan said. The airport would operate from 6am to 6pm, without air navigation aids. It was expected to open in June next year.
Tourist attractions in Betong district would benefit from the new airport, and Malaysian travellers were likely to use it because they could save travel time journeying to Penang airport, Mrs Ampawan said.