Following Nok Air, AirAsia just announced to launch from October 1st two daily flights from Bangkok Don Mueang to Sakon Nakhon in Northeast Isaan. Flights are already opened for booking.
BANGKOK – Isaan is getting increasingly popular for airlines with Thailand two main low cost carriers competiting increasingly on secondary destinations. After Nakhon Phanom and Khon Kaen opened a year ago, AirAsia is now going into Sakon Nakhon in competition to Nok Air. Asia largest low cost airline is preparing to launch two daily “Bangkok (Don Mueang)-Sakon Nakhon” flights, operating in the day and evening, starting on October 1st, 2014. However bookings are already possible as flights are on sale since July 28. The new route is in anticipation of a yearend travel boost and will bolster the airlines northeastern network, helping travelers to more easily reach its distinct cultural charms. The new route comes with AirAsia’s low fares, new airplanes and leading on-time record and reaffirms its 6th consecutive year of being “The World’s Best Low Cost Airline” as chosen by SkyTrax. The airline is confident foreign travelers will return to the Thailand in the fourth quarter with a demand for its provincial flight destinations, stimulating the nation’s economy.
Mr. Santisuk Klongchaiya, Director of Commercial for Thai AirAsia, stated that Thailand’s travel industry will likely pick up in the fourth quarter, necessitating AirAsia’s preparation of new routes and higher frequencies that keep in step with the sector’s opportunities. AirAsia is focusing its efforts on the domestic market, especially the continually growing northeastern region with its distinct local culture.
“We are introducing the twice daily Bangkok-Sakon Nakhon flight to strengthen our northeast network, adding to existing flights from Bangkok to Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Panom and city transfers from Nakhon Panom to Mukdahan. The introduction of Sakon Nakhon should prove to be another enticing choice and allow for more inclusive travel”.
Sakon Nakhon province is notable for its varied culture and is often referred to as the city of 2 cultures as it features notable Buddhist art alongside definite Western influences. Visitors to the province can make merit at its up to 5 Buddhist relics; Phra Tat Cherng Chum, Phra Tat Doum, Phra Tat Phu Pek, Phra Tat Sri Mongkol and Phra Tat Narai Cheng Weng. At the same time the province also boasts Franco-Vietnamese architecture at Thailand’s largest Christian village. While there, visitors can visit Phu Phan National Park, with its abundant caves, waterfalls and pristine forests but they can also take part in festivals such as the Peung Castle tradition that marks the end of Buddhist Lent and the Dao Chalerm Christmas celebration.
Flight Schedule Bangkok (DMK)–Sakon Nakhon (SNO)
| Flight | Route | Time | Frequency |
| FD 3510 | Bangkok-Sakon Nakhon | 06.55 – 08.05 | Daily |
| FD 3516 | Bangkok-Sakon Nakhon | 17.50 – 19.05 | Daily |
| FD 3511 | Sakon Nakhon-Bangkok | 08.35 – 09.40 | Daily |
| FD 3517 | Sakon Nakhon-Bangkok | 19.40 – 20.55 | Daily |
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
