Domestic airlines will soon resume commercial flights out of Bangkok, a Covid-19 dark-red zone, as transport restrictions are eased amid tight enforcement of health and safety regulations.
A Transport Ministry source said the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand will begin permitting airlines to fly into and out of the zone most affected by the pandemic starting from Sept 1.
The move follows the decision on Friday by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to relax some restrictions enforced in the 29 provinces within the zone, including Bangkok. People are now able travel back and forth between provinces in the zones. However, they are subject to health surveillance measures at their destinations.
The measures range from province to province although one standard requirement is use of a contact tracing application. In most provinces, those arriving from dark-red zone must carry documentary proof of being Covid-19 free.
At Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, as well as airports in Loei, Narathiwat and U-Tapao in Rayong, incoming passengers are not required to go through health screening. Airlines can now sell up to 70% of seats on a flight, up from the current maximum of 50%, to bring down ticket prices. However, the ban on in-flight meals and drinks remains.
Most airlines have announced they are returning to service from Sept 1. Thai Smile airline said it is resuming flights on select routes while Nok Air is operating out of Don Mueang airport. Thai AirAsia, the country's main budget carrier, said it will restart flights on Sept 3 from Don Mueang airport. Thai Lion Air will also restore flights from the airport on Sept 1.