Songkran Travel Boom – Thailand Airports Ready for April 11–17 Surge

BANGKOK, Thailand – With the Songkran holiday approaching, Airports of Thailand (AOT) is gearing up for a surge in travel between April 11 and 17. Passenger numbers are expected to reach nearly 80 million, including over 48 million international and 30 million domestic travelers across six major airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai.

BANGKOK, Thailand – With the Songkran holiday approaching, Airports of Thailand (AOT) is gearing up for a surge in travel between April 11 and 17. Passenger numbers are expected to reach nearly 80 million, including over 48 million international and 30 million domestic travelers across six major airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai.

Flight volumes are also up, with international flights rising 9.1% year-over-year to 267,603, and domestic flights up 22.7% to 213,792. To ease congestion, AOT is deploying extra staff, enhancing services, and increasing cleaning and baggage support. Self-service kiosks, automated bag drops, and biometric check-ins will streamline passenger flow.

Free parking will be available at four airports during the holiday:

- Suvarnabhumi (Zone C)

- Don Mueang (front of the five-story car park)

- Chiang Mai (Lan Chang lot)

- Phuket (in front of the AOT office, starting April 11)

In Chiang Mai, post-earthquake assessments show minimal damage: only one older condo has been closed, and two towers reported minor cracks. Tourist activity remains vibrant, with preparations underway for the city’s traditional "Pi Mai Mueang" celebrations—a major part of the nationwide Songkran festivities.