Air Asia announces low cost flights between Colombo and Bangkok

By Joshua Nicholas

Air Asia last week announced the introduction of daily low-cost flights between Colombo and Bangkok as of 1 March 2012.

The inaugural Air Asia flight from Bangkok to Colombo touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport at 8:35 a.m. on 1 March. The VIPs on board included Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand General Shantha Kottegoda and Thai Air Asia CEO Tassapon Bijleveld.

“We feel at home when we come here,” said Bijleveld. “We are very excited to open up a world of opportunities for people to shop, sightsee and experience all the flavours that Thailand has to offer, at a very affordable price.”

Bijleveld also cited Sri Lanka’s temples, beaches and UNESCO World Heritage sites, stating there was great demand for travel between the two cities.

As of 1 March, customers will be able to take advantage online, of fares to Bangkok starting from Rs. 6,990 (inclusive of tax and fees). The flights will operate daily, departing Colombo at 9:35 a.m., and departing Bangkok at 6:25 a.m. (local times).

Air Asia is Asia’s largest low-cost carrier, and was named Skytrax World’s best low cost airline in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The 10-year-old airline has carried over 100 million guests and has a fleet of approximately 106 aircraft.

Thai Air Asia, a local offshoot of Air Asia, launched in 2004 and has carried over 30 million passengers to date. Thai Air Asia’s fleet is the youngest in the region and features 24 Airbus A320s.

Through Bangkok, Thai Air Asia customers can connect to flights to 12 domestic destinations, including: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Nakohon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Surat Thani, Nakhon Phanom and Trang; as well as 16 international destinations, including: Chennai, Chongqing, Kolkata, Yangon, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bali, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Macau, Hong Kong and now Colombo.