As of March 2025, there is no plan to launch a new airline called Kan Air. This carrier, founded by Somporn Sungsankwan in Chiang Mai, ceased operations in 2018 after its license was revoked by CAAT (Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand) due to safety violations and financial instability.
However, Thailand’s civil aviation market is actively evolving, with new initiatives in 2024–2025 aimed at strengthening domestic and regional connectivity.
Who Is Actually Launching in 2025?
While no entirely new airline is registering, several carriers are expanding operations and launching new routes:
- Bangkok Airways Regional — a subsidiary of Bangkok Airways — began regional flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Surat Thani, Udon Thani, and Hua Hin in 2024. Uses A320 aircraft.
- Thai VietJet Air — the local arm of VietJet — has increased domestic flights from Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and U-Tapao. Plans to add two new routes: Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trat.
- Nok Air — after restructuring — is restoring its fleet and launching additional flights from Don Mueang to key tourist destinations.
Fleet and Routes
New and expanded operations include:
- Fleet: mainly Airbus A320 and ATR 72 for regional routes
- Routes: Bangkok–Chiang Mai, Bangkok–Phuket, Bangkok–Udon Thani, Bangkok–Surat Thani
- Frequency: up to 4 daily flights on key routes
All flights operate from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK).
Why No Kan Air?
According to CAAT, Kan Air has not applied to restore its license. Its former fleet (including ATR 72s) was sold or scrapped. Somporn Sungsankwan is not involved in new aviation ventures.
The idea of cooperation with VietJet is unconfirmed. VietJet operates in Thailand via Thai VietJet Air, a 100% subsidiary unrelated to Kan Air.
Requirements for New Carriers
CAAT has tightened rules for new airlines:
- Minimum 500 million THB in registered capital
- Certified fleet and technical base
- At least 5 years of aviation management experience
- IOSA safety audit compliance
This makes market entry difficult for small players.
Conclusion
While no new Kan Air will launch in 2025, Thailand’s market is growing through the expansion of existing carriers. Bangkok Airways, Thai VietJet, and Nok Air are enhancing domestic and regional connectivity to meet rising tourist demand. New flights from Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai, Phuket, and provincial cities are making air travel more accessible. The future lies in regional aviation and sustainable business models.
Sources:
— Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT): «Airline Licensing Status 2025»
— Ministry of Transport, Thailand: «Aviation Development Strategy 2024–2030»
— Bangkok Post: «Bangkok Airways Expands Regional Network»
— The Nation: «Thai VietJet Adds New Domestic Routes»
— CAAT Public Registry: «List of Certified Airlines»
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