Jet fuel hikes have forced South Korean no-frills airlines to adjust or in some cases suspend flights to Thai destinations as the Middle East war continues to bite into the aviation sector.
T’way Air announced on its Facebook page that daily flights between Suvarnabhumi and Incheon airports would continue only until May 9 and would then be reduced to two weekly flights, from May 10 to July 14.
The low-cost carrier had already suspended all flights between Bangkok and Daegu until July 15, and increased the passenger fuel surcharge from 1,900 baht to 2,850 baht.
T’way Air also plans to furlough some of its cabin crew without pay in May and June as part of its emergency management due to the conflict in the Middle East, the Joongang Ilbo daily reported on Monday. The furlough is temporary and will only involve employees who volunteer to take part, according to an official quoted in the report.
Another no-frills airline, Air Busan, announced it will cancel six daily flights between Bangkok and Busan, on May 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30.
The airline has already increased the fuel surcharge, from 2,000 baht to 2,700 baht, from April 1, blaming the volatility of jet fuel prices.
Other low-cost carriers have not, so far, announced changes to Thai services.
However South Korean media reports say all low-cost South Korean airlines face the same problems, including on
routes to the United States and Vietnam.
Credits: South Korean Airlines
