Air Asia Thailand will resume domestic flights from May 1 with “strict health controls and social distancing protocol in place” for those who need to travel, the carrier said in a statement posted on its website.

The low-cost carrier said the decision to operate domestic flights in Thailand came after a consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand and other carriers.

The resumed routes include Don Mueang to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Panom, Roi Et, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, as well as the Chiang Mai- Hat Yai route.

The carrier said additional information on available routes will be provided on its official facebook page.

Social distancing, masks and no food on flights 

Air Asia is joining a number of carriers by introducing social distancing on flights. The Malaysian carrier said it will sell a limited number of seats on every flight and guests will be distanced with alternate seating on planes and “appropriate controls right from booking”. Social distancing will also be enforced on shuttle buses, the carrier said.

Meal service has been suspended on these flights. The airline said there will be “strictly no consumption of food and beverage onboard”. Passengers will also be required to wear their own face masks throughout the journey, including during check-in and baggage claim.

At the airport, guests will undergo a temperature check. The airline said passengers with a body temperature above 37.3 Celsius or those with symptoms including sneezing or coughing will be “denied travel”. The carrier said temperature checks will also be conducted for its cabin crew who will have to wear protective equipment such as masks, goggles and gloves throughout the flight.

Air Asia is also asking guests to do self-check-in through the Air Asia mobile app or kiosks at the airport to reduce personal contact.

The carrier said it will disinfect its airplanes, shuttle buses, service counters and check-in kiosks on a daily basis.

airasia.com