Songkran 2026: Airlines Offer 30% Discount on Domestic Flights

Good news for travelers planning to celebrate Songkran 2026 outside Bangkok: Thai airlines are offering discounts of up to 30 percent on domestic flights during the festival period, with 25,000 additional seats and 124 extra flights added to popular routes. With all 76 provinces now hosting official Songkran events, there has never been more reason to fly beyond the capital.

The Deals

The Ministry of Transport has coordinated with major carriers to keep fares affordable during the April 11-17 Songkran holiday period. Here is what is available:

Thai Airways is leading with a 30 percent discount on selected domestic routes, including:

• Bangkok - Chiang Mai
• Bangkok - Phuket
• Bangkok - Khon Kaen
• Bangkok - Udon Thani
• Bangkok - Ubon Ratchathani

Thai Airways is also upgrading aircraft on high-demand routes. Flights to Phuket and Chiang Mai will use wide-body jets (Boeing 777-200ER, Boeing 787-9, or Airbus A330-300) instead of the usual Airbus A320, adding over 1,500 discounted seats. This is part of the airline's broader A321neo fleet modernization program.

Budget carriers are also participating. Thai AirAsia is contributing the largest share of extra capacity with approximately 10,000 additional seats. Bangkok Airways — which is positioning Koh Samui as a major hub — Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet Air are offering similar promotions across their domestic networks.

Price Examples

To put the discounts in perspective: a Bangkok-Chiang Mai fare that normally peaks at 5,000 baht during Songkran will be capped at 3,500 baht under the promotion.

The 124 additional flights cover 11 popular domestic routes, significantly increasing capacity during what is traditionally the busiest travel week of the year.

How to Book

Promotional fares are available through:

• Airline websites and mobile apps
• Airline call centers (Thai Airways: 0-2356-1111)
• Airport ticket counters and sales offices

Book soon -- the promotional window is limited, with booking deadlines varying by airline.

Why the Discounts?

The government pushed airlines to keep fares affordable despite rising fuel costs. Jet fuel currently accounts for about 30 percent of airline operating expenses, and Middle East tensions have driven prices higher. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is maintaining current airfare ceilings to prevent price surges.

Airlines have responded positively, though some have proposed that the government temporarily reduce the excise tax on jet fuel to ease the cost burden. International routes may see surcharges of 10-15 percent — for context, Thai Airways has already announced a 10–15% fare hike on select routes — but domestic Songkran fares remain controlled. The wider impact of fuel costs on Thai carriers is worth watching if you are planning travel beyond the festival period.

Plan Your Songkran Trip

Songkran 2026 runs April 13-15 officially, with extended festivities from April 11-17 in most cities. The most popular destinations include Chiang Mai (famous for its massive water battles), Bangkok's Khao San Road, Phuket, and the Isan region where many Thai families return to their hometowns. This year, celebrations are happening in all 76 provinces — so consider flying somewhere off the usual tourist trail.

Not flying? The Bangkok–Chiang Mai sleeper train is a popular alternative, but book well in advance. For a full breakdown of costs for the trip, see our Thailand 2-week budget guide. And check the Songkran water gun rules and fines before you arrive — authorities are enforcing restrictions in 2026.

With 30 percent off flights and extra capacity on major routes, this is one of the best years to fly domestic for Songkran rather than endure the notoriously long holiday road trips.