Thai AirAsia X temporarily suspends its Australian direct flight service to Sydney: Latest updates you need to know

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Thai AirAsia X (XJ), the long-haul airline of low-cost carrier AirAsia, has announced a temporary suspension of its only remaining Australian service between Sydney and Bangkok.

This step will take place in parallel with the planned relocation of the airline’s entire flight operations back to Don Mueang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok from October 1, 2024.

Sydney-Bangkok connection suspended

Citing “fleet management and hub operational movements,” Thai AirAsia X will discontinue its direct flights between Sydney and Bangkok effective August 1, 2024.

The suspension is expected to last three months, with services expected to resume in December 2024.

Minimize disruption to passengers

To minimize disruption to passengers with existing bookings, Thai AirAsia X will automatically reroute affected flights to flights operated by AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) via Kuala Lumpur (KUL).

Passengers who wish to change their travel plans will be offered options such as free flight changes (subject to availability), flight credits with a 10% bonus or a full refund.

Don Mueang Airport: A strategic turnaround

The airline’s move to Don Mueang Airport represents a strategic move. Don Mueang is considered a cheaper hub for domestic flights within Thailand and offers easier access to downtown Bangkok.

This move is in line with Thai AirAsia X’s objective to leverage AirAsia’s extensive network, which has a strong market share in the Thai domestic market and an extensive international presence.

AirAsia’s global ambitions

This network focus reflects AirAsia’s broader ambition to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier.

Earlier this year, the parent company announced plans to expand its reach into Africa with AirAsia X’s upcoming Kuala Lumpur-Nairobi service.

In addition, AirAsia has expressed its intention to enter the European and North American markets in the coming years, using a hub-and-spoke model with new virtual hubs.

AirAsia’s Australian expansion

While Thai AirAsia X is reducing its presence in Australia, AirAsia’s other subsidiaries continue to expand Down Under.

AirAsia Indonesia recently launched a new service between Cairns and Denpasar (Bali), while Indonesia AirAsia offers existing services between Perth and Bali and Jakarta.

In addition, AirAsia Malaysia entered the Western Australian market in March with its inaugural flight to Perth Airport.