Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (SET: AOT) forecasts that, during the Chinese New Year period, the number of passengers and flights on routes to and from China will continue to increase, in line with the recovery of the aviation and tourism industries. AOT is preparing to facilitate travelers, emphasizing safety and building passenger confidence.
Ms. Paweena Jariyathitipong, President of AOT, stated that AOT anticipates passenger traffic through its six airports—Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport, Phuket International Airport, and Hat Yai International Airport—during the Chinese New Year festival, from 13-22 February 2026, to total over 4.11 million.
This comprises approximately 2.6 million international passengers and about 1.51 million domestic passengers. The total number of flights is expected to be around 24,847, with about 14,295 international flights and 10,552 domestic flights.
Focusing on China routes, the passenger count continues to rise. AOT expects around 679,259 passengers on China routes, up 8.1% from Chinese New Year 2025, and about 4,447 flights, an increase of 3.4%. Suvarnabhumi Airport, which handles the most international flights, will see about 444,255 China route passengers, an increase of 24.2%, and approximately 2,889 flights, an increase of 20.5% (data as of 4 February 2026).
Ms. Paweena added that, to accommodate the rising number of travelers, AOT has prepared its airports in all dimensions, focusing on convenience, safety, and creating a world-class hospitality experience. Services will emphasize warmth, attention, and friendliness, reflecting Thai identity through courteous and humble service, facilitating passengers at every step.
Interpreters have been arranged to support international travelers, especially tourists from China. Technology and innovation have been introduced to reduce waiting times, improve efficiency, and enhance the travel experience to be more convenient and swift, including managing airport traffic flow to prevent congestion.
Regarding Nipah virus prevention measures, AOT’s six airports have intensified health screening and monitoring. Coordination with international communicable disease control offices has been made to closely monitor the situation.
Measures include screening passengers from high-risk countries or areas, watching for symptoms, implementing health screening systems, and providing hygiene advice to travelers. Cleaning frequency of shared touch points has been increased, and medical personnel and equipment have been prepared to handle any situation, raising public health safety and passenger confidence.
Ms. Paweena concluded that AOT airports are celebrating Chinese New Year with festivities such as peony dances, lion dances, and Chinese cultural demonstrations, including calligraphy sessions. Terminals are decorated for the festive atmosphere. AOT requests that passengers arrive at the airport 2-3 hours in advance to avoid missing flights due to the higher number of travelers. Passengers can contact the AOT Contact Center at 1722 for 24-hour service.
