Thai Lion Air’s head of commercial operations, Nuntaporn Komonsittivate, said fuel prices are the most crucial factor, accounting for about 35% of the airline’s operating costs. Global oil prices may have recently started to see a gradual downward trend, but the aviation industry cannot reap the benefits immediately, the board explained.

We urge the government to help with the financial burden, so that we can maintain positive momentum for the domestic market, he added.

On short-term projections, Komonsittivate noted that the load factor for the upcoming July 13-17 vacation already exceeded 70%; driven by popular destinations for religious events, such as Ubon Ratchathani, which hosts the annual candlelight festival during the start of Buddhist Lent; as well as Phuket and Hat Yai.

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