NAKHON RATCHASIMA: The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has authorised Nok Air to operate domestic flights from this northeastern province to three major tourist destinations, effective in the second quarter of this year.
Nok Air's application to operate more domestic flights to and from Nakhon Ratchasima airport was submitted to the CAAT in November last year.
Following the CAAT's approval on Jan 21, the no-frills airline will begin round-trip flights from Nakhon Ratchasima to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Hat Yai, with seven flights a week to each destination.
The airline is expected to use a Bombardier Q400 turboprop with 86 seats on these routes.
Located in tambon Tha Chang, Chaloem Phra Kiat district, Nakhon Ratchasima airport was opened in 1997 during the Chatchai Chunhawan administration.
Many airlines, such as Air Andman, Thai AirAsia, Happy Hair, Thai Regional Airlines and Kan Air, had offered flights to the airport but had to discontinue due to the low number of passengers. It was about 290 kilometres from Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi airport.
Nakhon Ratchasima airport served as Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base during the Vietnam war in 1962 to 1976. It was home to air force units of Thailand, New Zealand and the United States.
