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Seaplanes are starting soon: New travel routes for Phuket and Trang!
Thailand to launch inter-island seaplane routes from October 2025. Advantages: shortened travel times, economic stimulus.
Seaplanes are starting soon: New travel routes for Phuket and Trang!
There's a lot happening on the travel horizon in Thailand! The Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AeroThai) plans to begin test operations of seaplanes between the popular islands of Phuket and Trang between October and November 2025. The innovative approach aims to significantly improve travel options for both locals and tourists. Mallika Jirapunvanit, the deputy transport minister, has also announced a comprehensive environmental study on the upcoming seaplane operations. According to Nation Thailand, noises from propellers and engines, possible oil leaks and the impact on protected coral reefs will be investigated.
While the service is not expected to officially launch until 2026, there are already private companies that have seaplanes and are prepared to operate them. This could dramatically reduce travel time between airports and islands, thereby supporting state maritime tourism. It is clear that big changes are on the way that can give tourism a new direction.
The advantages of seaplanes
Anyone who thinks that seaplanes are only for expats or wealthy tourists is very wrong! With the launch of Thai Seaplane's new service, which has established a connection between Phuket and Koh Kradan, travel time will be reduced from three hours to just 20 minutes. This opens up new opportunities, especially for local residents as well as families and businesses in the coastal regions. According to Khao24, we expect a significant increase in tourism revenue and the creation of new jobs in the hospitality sector or among pilots.
However, there are also concerns. The increasing number of seaplanes could increase noise pollution and the impact on marine life. It is therefore important that the benefits also reach local communities and not just wealthy tourists.
A look into the future
The seaplanes could form an entire network for tourism in Thailand. Operators such as Siam Seaplane are already planning to expand the fleet by 30 more aircraft by 2027. The new aircraft will not only fly to major tourist attractions in the Gulf of Thailand, but also provide an efficient connection from Bangkok to destinations such as Ko Tao or Ko Kood. The country's rainbow landscapes could soon be even easier to explore!
These seaplanes, of the Cessna Caravan type, can take off and land both on land and in water, making them extremely versatile. The prices for the tickets vary between 5,000 and 15,000 baht (around 130 to 400 euros) and can be easily booked online, via an app or directly at the hotel. If you want to rent an entire plane, you also have this option. According to Aero International, these seaplanes are also considered environmentally friendly because they do not require large airports and the underwater world is not endangered by the propellers.
The best time to visit Thailand remains between December and February. So it's high time to pack your bags and discover the new possibilities that the seaplane offer brings with it. Be ready to experience the beauty of Thailand from above!