Nok Air to cease flights to Nan

Nok Air will end flights between Bangkok and Nan from April 18, leaving the province scrambling to convince another airline to take up the service.

Nan airport general manager Ruangyuth Nittayanon announced on Thursday the airport had been advised by the budget airline of its decision to stop flying the route from April 18, after more than one year in operation. Nok Air did not explain the reason, he added. A check showed its website no longer allows bookings for Nan flights from April 18. Ticket prices to the province are shown only until April 17.

The no-frills airline currently has two daily flights between Don Mueang and Nan. Terminating the service  leaves Thai AirAsia the only airline linking the capital and the northern province. Nok Air is operating at a loss and its financial situation is being closely watched by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
Mr Ruangyuth said the airport had contacted the Airports Department to approach other airlines to fly to Nan to reduce the impacts on air travellers, tourism and business. He named Bangkok Airways and Thai Vietjet as possible options.

With Thai AirAsia to be the lone airline on the route, the airport chief was concerned about the possibility of higher fares due to the lack of competition.
The province and business operators in Nan will hold a meeting to approach other airlines to replace Nok Air when it ends the service, with the last flights on April 17.