Thai aviation seeks to lower airfares

Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Bangkok (VNA) - The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) is calling on the Government to cut down the fuel tax and operational fees at airports amid concerns over a potential increase in oil prices, saying the lower cost burden will eventually help to reduce airfares.

AAT President Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said the Government can help airlines by subsidising a scheme that will assist them with their costs, including the jet fuel tax as well as service fees required by the Airports of Thailand and the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand.

He said such measures will be essential if airfares are to unavoidably increase due to OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) Plus reducing its oil output starting next month.

However, he said a spike in airfares should not be a critical concern as long as the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is able to regulate fares through the ceiling it has set.

Puttipong also said the visa waiver programme for prominent markets remains vital in order to boost international arrivals from markets such as China and India.

Other significant strategies include focusing on segments with the potential for high levels of spending, such as long-stay visitors, health tourists and sports enthusiasts./.

VNA