Thai AirAsia will stop flying direct between Bangkok's Don Mueang airport and Seoul Incheon from 25 October 2026, ending a route it has operated for 12 years. The service returns on 1 October with one flight a day until 24 October, and is then suspended until further notice. For an agent with Korean clients booked on it, the question is not whether to rebook but how, because the obvious replacement flights land at a different Bangkok airport. This guide, from a Thailand DMC for travel agents, sets out what was announced and what to change in the file.
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What was announced
As reported by Khaosod English and The Thaiger in mid-September, Thai AirAsia is ending its direct Don Mueang–Incheon service from 25 October, citing high fuel costs, changing travel patterns and intense competition on the route. The decision followed a second-quarter net loss of 2.326 billion baht, with fuel expenses up 43 per cent year on year.
The route is currently suspended. It resumes on 1 October with one daily flight until 24 October, after which direct flights stop again until further notice.
What booked passengers are offered
Passengers booked to travel after 24 October have four options, as reported:
- Move to a flight on or before 24 October, free of charge.
- A full refund.
- Keep the fare as credit.
- Travel between Don Mueang and Incheon via Kuala Lumpur instead.
Each of those changes something else in the programme. An earlier flight moves the hotel dates. A refund means new flights on another carrier. A connection through Kuala Lumpur lengthens the journey and moves the arrival time in Bangkok.
The airport change is the part that gets missed
Bangkok has two international airports, on different sides of the city, a long road transfer apart. A client rebooked from Thai AirAsia onto another carrier's Seoul flight will usually arrive at and leave from Suvarnabhumi rather than Don Mueang. The flight is rebooked by the airline or the agency; the arrival transfer, the departure transfer and the hotel check-out time are not. A driver waiting at Don Mueang for a client who has landed at Suvarnabhumi is the most common way a rebooking goes wrong on the ground.
So for every affected file, send the new flight details to your ground partner as a change, not just the new times. Our Bangkok airport access guide covers the road links to both airports during the current rains.
Where this sits in the Korea market
The route ends in a difficult year for Korean travel to Thailand. Ministry of Tourism and Sports figures show 769,930 Korean visitors from January to August 2026, down 24.78 per cent year on year, and Korean carriers had already trimmed Thailand capacity during 2026. Our South Korea source market guide sets out what the reporting blames for the fall and how to build a Korea-origin file this winter. Fewer low-cost seats between Seoul and Bangkok is one more reason to quote the whole package clearly, so a client compares complete prices rather than fares.
What to do now
Find the files. Search your bookings for Thai AirAsia Don Mueang–Incheon segments dated 25 October or later, in either direction.
Choose the option with the client, not for them. An earlier flight may suit a client whose dates are flexible; a group with fixed hotel nights will usually need another carrier.
Change the ground arrangements in the same step. New airport, new times, new transfer vehicle timing. Ask your Thailand DMC to confirm the changed transfers in writing.
How to package it
Airline changes are handled best by the people who meet the flight. Our transport team covers both Bangkok airports, and our South Korea market page explains how we work with agencies there. The full range of Thailand DMC services for travel agents goes on one quote, including Bangkok and beach extensions; send the revised flights to the trade desk.
Frequently asked questions
When does Thai AirAsia stop flying Don Mueang–Incheon?
From 25 October 2026. The route resumes on 1 October with one daily flight until 24 October, after which direct flights are suspended until further notice.
Why is the route ending?
Thai AirAsia cited high fuel costs, changing travel patterns and intense competition. The decision followed a second-quarter net loss of 2.326 billion baht, with fuel expenses up 43 per cent year on year.
What can booked passengers do?
Passengers booked after 24 October can move to a flight on or before that date free of charge, take a full refund, keep the fare as credit, or travel via Kuala Lumpur.
Does a rebooked client still arrive at Don Mueang?
Not necessarily. A client moved to another carrier's Seoul flight will usually use Suvarnabhumi instead. Update the arrival and departure transfers, not just the flight times.
Can clients still fly direct between Bangkok and Seoul?
Yes, other airlines continue to fly between Bangkok and Seoul. Check current schedules for the dates in question, and note which Bangkok airport each flight uses.
