Thai AirAsia launches new direct connection: Chiang Mai meets Udon Thani!

Thai AirAsia launches new direct connection: Chiang Mai meets Udon Thani!

AirAsia brings a breath of fresh air to Thailand's aviation landscape! From December 1, 2025, the airline will launch a new domestic route connecting Chiang Mai with Udon Thani. The connection is particularly exciting as it is the only direct route between these two cities, providing a welcome option for travelers who do not want to fly via Bangkok first. This will not only significantly reduce travel time, but also make access to both regions easier.

Flights are offered four times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The introductory price of 999 baht for a one-way flight can be booked until October 31, 2025 and is valid for travel between December 1, 2025 and March 28, 2026. According to data from TTR Weekly, the Airbus A320s used for this route have a capacity of 180 seats. AirAsia Chiang Mai Station Manager Suraphan Homkachon highlights the importance of the new route in the upcoming peak season.

Connection between north and northeast

The direct connection between Chiang Mai and Udon Thani represents an important bridge between northern and northeastern Thailand. These regions are not only interesting for tourists, but also have economic importance. Udon Thani, one of the largest cities in the Isaan region, is a regional center and is known for its proximity to Ban Chiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chiang Mai, on the other hand, is famous for its impressive temples and lively night markets. Both cities offer a rich cultural experience and benefited from better connectivity, as Travel Wise Way reports.

The careful development of direct connections shows a trend in Thailand's air transport industry. More and more airlines, including AirAsia, are opting for direct routes that avoid the need for a change in Bangkok. This strategy makes flying more flexible for many travelers and promotes connections between major cities in Thailand and neighboring countries such as Laos.

Aviation growth in Thailand

The Thai aviation industry has developed significantly in recent years and has become a growing aviation hub in Asia. The country not only has increasing demand for domestic flights, but also for international connections. The recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has seen passenger numbers return to pre-pandemic levels. In particular, the return of Chinese tourists is seen as a decisive factor for the positive development in the aviation sector, as can be read on Statista.

With the launch of this new route, AirAsia not only emphasizes its commitment to the tourism sector, but also contributes to the Thai government's goals to build more airports and expand existing infrastructure to further promote tourism. For travelers, the new connection will be a great opportunity to explore the beauties of Thailand inexpensively and conveniently.