Thai AirAsia X (XJ, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) has announced plans to restart scheduled passenger operations on June 1, 2022, while simultaneously relocating from Bangkok Don Mueang to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi.
The Thai long-haul low-cost carrier said it would initially connect its new hub with Seoul Incheon (3x weekly from June 1) and Tokyo Narita (4x weekly from June 5).
"This is an incredible milestone. With Thailand officially reopening and the COVID-19 situation now under control thanks to widespread vaccination, we are thrilled that Thai AirAsia X is finally returning to the skies commencing with two routes to the much-anticipated destinations. The return of Thai AirAsia X is a very exciting development, as is our move to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which makes us the first Thai low-cost long haul carrier to operate from the main airport of Bangkok," Chief Executive Patima Jeerapaet said.
Both routes will operate onboard A330-300s. Thai AirAsia X operates six of these aircraft, alongside two inactive A330-900s.
The carrier is a 51/49 joint venture between Asia Aviation, the parent company of Thai AirAsia (FD, Bangkok Don Mueang), and AirAsia X (D7, Kuala Lumpur International). Since the beginning of the pandemic, the airline has operated cargo-only and repatriation charters but has not flown a scheduled service for more than two years.
Thai AirAsia X's relocation from Don Mueang to Suvarnabhumi follows the decision of Thai AirAsia, which began limited operations from the main airport in October 2020, complimenting its much more extensive network from Don Mueang. Thai Lion Air (SL, Bangkok Don Mueang) also operates from both airports, while Thai VietJetAir (VZ, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi) serves Suvarnabhumi exclusively and Nok Air (DD, Bangkok Don Mueang) - only Don Mueang.
