Smog in northern Thailand forces Bangkok Airways to halt domestic flights due to safety concerns.
Bangkok Airways has announced it will suspend its domestic flights to Mae Hong Son, a popular backpacker destination in northern Thailand, from March 15 to April 20, 2025. The suspension is due to the worsening air pollution, which is expected to severely reduce visibility, posing a safety risk for flights.
The air quality in the region, particularly in northern Thailand, deteriorates annually between December and April, as farmers burn crop stubble to prepare the land for the upcoming season. The thick smog significantly impairs visibility, making it difficult for planes to land safely.
A Bangkok Airways official noted that similar disruptions occurred in 2024 when smog levels reached dangerous heights. Mae Hong Son’s airport authority confirmed the suspension on its Facebook page, citing that the pollution severely affects both vision and flight safety. The air quality index in Mae Hong Son has been recorded as 7.9 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s recommended limits, according to data from IQ Air.
This disruption highlights the seasonal air pollution problem in Thailand, particularly in the north, which continues to impact both local communities and the tourism industry.
