Airlines are urging the government to shut down domestic travel during the Songkran holiday period to prevent a third wave of Covid-19.

Carriers have called for strict travel restrictions, or else Thailand's tourism industry will risk losing more over the long run.

Tassapon Bijleveld, executive chairman of Asia Aviation which is the largest shareholder of Thai AirAsia (TAA), said virus transmission must be minimised during the long holiday next week, as the period will see many people returning to their hometowns and going on holiday.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration on Thursday announced there will be no lockdown during the traditional New Year celebrations as millions of people have already planned their trips.

However, each province still has the authority to impose its own travel restrictions, such as mandatory quarantine for inter-provincial travellers, if there are risks of virus exposure.

Mr Tassapon said the spike of cases at this time is worrisome as it challenged the government on how to contain the virus when people still continued with their trips.

Most TAA passengers are sticking with their plans. The average load factor next week will hit 80-85%, while the airline recently called almost all furloughed staff back to their posts.

"There won't be a third wave if the government can stop it earlier. It should consider imposing strict travel restrictions. Even though the tourism industry may lose lucrative income, we have to accept it if that would benefit the whole country," said Mr Tassapon.

"That would be better than facing another nationwide lockdown afterwards." 

Mr Tassapon added that travel restrictions are necessary for the country as long as the vaccination programme rollout remains slow.