Ezy Airlines has suspended a plan to fly in northern Thailand, reportedly due to high parking fees at Chiang Mai airport, prompting the governor of Mae Hong Son to seek a review of the fees to support tourism.
The small-aircraft operator had previously announced a plan to operate flights between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, and Chiang Mai and Pai. A trial period was scheduled in September, with full services to follow in October.
The planned routes were seen as a way to boost tourism between the two provinces by dramatically reducing travel times.
Flights to and from Chiang Mai would take just 35 or 40 minutes, whereas a road journey could take around six to seven hours.
However, Mae Hong Son governor Wiboon Waewbanthit said the flights had been halted because of the 40,000-baht parking fee per landing at Chiang Mai International Airport.
The fee is the same for all sizes of aircraft, he said after a meeting on Monday to discuss economic issues in Mae Hong Son.
Ezy Airlines uses Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX single-engine turboprop planes that can carry around 10 passengers, with a total of 12 seats.
According to the airlines, fares for the northern routes would be 3,000 to 3,500 baht, with 2-3 round trips planned per day.
Mr Wiboon said the service could boost tourism in Mae Hong Son while also helping members of the public, including older adults, patients, businesspeople or academics.
He said the province would ask the Ministry of Transport and Airports of Thailand, which operates the Chiang Mai airport, to review its fee structure.
The aim is to ensure fair treatment for small airlines, thereby supporting tourism connectivity and promoting the economic development of Mae Hong Son, Mr Wiboon said.
Ezy Airlines is operated by M-Landarch Co Ltd, providing short-haul services of up to 60 minutes between major and secondary cities in southern Thailand. The airline operates both scheduled and charter flights.
