AOT – CAAT explains that China returns unused slots as normal, tourist trend is increasing. High season is not affected.

AOT – CAAT explains that Chinese airlines returned slots over a 2-month period, totaling more than 8,000 flights, as rights that were not normally used. Confirmed that Chinese tourists’ recovery will be lower than expected. But it is also in an upward direction. High season target does not affect the European zone, India will be added.

Mr. Keerati Kitmanawat, Director General of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) or AOT, revealed that last week There are many news stories about the number of passengers, especially Chinese tourists. and the airline returned the flight slot, therefore, the facts must be clarified to make it clear that In the case of airlines returning flight slots, it is likely to decrease compared to the beginning of 2023, where 85% of flight slots were returned, in the middle of the year it returned approximately 50-60%, but during the months of October – November 2023, airlines Return flight Slot flight approximately 40%

As for Chinese passengers, they admit that they have not yet fully recovered. It returned approximately 40% compared to 2019, which can be analyzed for many reasons. However, during July-Oct.-Nov. 2023 Chinese passenger numbers are likely to improve significantly. And part of the recovery came from the free visa measure.

“During September-November 2023 There were approximately 100 Chinese passengers arriving. 17,000-18,000 people/day. This trend will continue in the next month. Jan.-Feb. 2024 The number is expected to increase to 57-59% compared to 2019,” Mr. Keerati said.

It is expected that during November 2023 – March 2024 This is the winter flight schedule (Winter Schedule). It is expected that there will be a total of 51.11 million passengers, an increase of 20.32%, consisting of 29.54 million international passengers, an increase of 34.96%, and 21.57 million domestic passengers, an increase of 4.75%.

and confident in the period 2024 (Oct. 2023-Sept. 2024) passenger volume Traveled through AOT’s 6 airports at 119.78 million people, or an increase of 19.71% from last year when there were approximately 100 million people, divided into 70.30 million international passengers, an increase of 30.41%, and 49.48 million domestic passengers, an increase of 7.2. %

Even though some Chinese airlines will return flying slots during Dec. 2023-Jan. 2024, more than 8,000 flights, but Chinese tourists are in an upward trend. In the period of 2024, it is expected that Chinese tourists will increase again, in the period Nov. 2023-March. 2567 International passengers increased by 35%. In 2023, Chinese tourists accounted for only 12.9% of international passengers. equal to half of 2019

However, in the year 2024, there is still room for Chinese tourists to return. It is expected that the proportion will increase to 15-16%, while tourists from other countries such as India will also increase.

“Regarding flight slots, initially the airline will reserve as many rights as they have, but 1 month before the flight, the airline will come and see if Are you ready or not? Both sides of the aircraft Are there enough passengers? Then evaluate if you’re not ready. Didn’t fly and returned the slot. It is the cancellation of Slots that are available according to rights. That doesn’t mean Passengers book tickets and don’t want to fly so they cancel.”

Mr. Suthipong Kongpool, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) or CAAT, said that during the months of December 2023-January 2024, Slot flights on the Thai-China route There were airlines returning more than 8,645 flights, or approximately 35% from the requested 21,923 flights, with 13,278 flights remaining, divided into December 2023, returning 46%, remaining 5,858 flights from 10,939 flights and the month of January. 2024 returns 32%, remaining 7,420 flights from 10,984 flights, with the proportion of Chinese airlines 70% and Thai airlines 30%.

In the case where the airline returns the flight slot, it is not considered a cancellation. Because no tickets have been reserved yet. As for the reason for returning the slots Because demand has not yet returned. The Chinese economy is not growing as it should. While China has a policy to allow domestic tourism. and to fly out of the country gradually

“Returning aviation slots is normal. But if the market wants a lot of flights, there will be little return. In the Chinese market, Thailand has a stimulating measure that provides free visas to Chinese tourists. But it still hasn’t arrived as expected,” Mr. Suthipong said.