On 24 February 2025, Nok Air announced a significant reduction in its Chinese flight schedule amid declining demand, marking a strategic shift in its route network. The decision comes as the airline responds to a stagnant Chinese market and evolving travel preferences among international tourists.
The carrier will reduce its weekly flights to major Chinese cities—cutting from 16 to 12 routes—with plans to boost services to India and explore new markets in Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore. This realignment reflects a broader trend, as Chinese tourists increasingly opt for alternative destinations due to safety concerns and changing government policies.
Domestically, Nok Air intends to maximize traffic to key tourism hubs such as Phuket and Chiang Mai, ensuring that both international and local segments remain robust. The airline is also focused on optimizing its fleet, which currently includes 14 Boeing 737-800 jets, with an expected delivery of six Boeing 737 Max aircraft over the next four years. Additionally, the company is exploring aircraft leasing and potential fleet updates to replace older models.
Chief executive Wutthiphum Jurangkool noted that the move is driven by declining confidence among Chinese travelers, exacerbated by issues ranging from scams to human trafficking, and by evolving travel trends that now favor destinations other than Thailand.
