≡-EZY AIRLINES Reconnects Thailand’s Remote Border Region With A New Air Service That Replaces Lengthy Road Travel Through Mountain Terrain – Viral of Today

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Home » AIRLINE NEWS » EZY AIRLINES Reconnects Thailand’s Remote Border Region With A New Air Service That Replaces Lengthy Road Travel Through Mountain Terrain Saturday, June 28, 2025EZY Airlines has officially reconnected Thailand’s remote southern border town of Betong with the rest of the country by launching a new direct air service from Hat Yai, replacing the arduous, hours-long road journey through steep, winding mountain terrain with a swift and convenient flight option. This landmark route not only restores commercial air access to a long-isolated region but also signals renewed confidence in Betong’s tourism and economic potential after nearly three years without scheduled flights.Ezy Airlines officially brought commercial aviation back to Thailand’s southern border region on Friday, June 27, 2025, with the launch of its inaugural flight between Hat Yai and Betong. The debut of flight EZT111 marked a historic step in reconnecting Betong to the national air network after nearly three years of suspended service.The airline operated the route using a 12-seat Cessna Grand Caravan, which departed from Hat Yai International Airport and landed safely at Betong Airport in Yala province. The launch event attracted a large local audience, signaling strong support from the surrounding community and reinforcing the importance of the route for southern Thailand’s transportation and tourism sectors.Transforming Accessibility in the Deep SouthWith this launch, Ezy Airlines has dramatically improved accessibility to Betong, a region once reachable only by road. Until now, travelers faced a demanding journey stretching up to six hours, winding through mountainous terrain and more than 1,000 curves. The new flight slashes that journey to just 45 minutes, providing much-needed relief to local residents, tourists, and business travelers seeking faster, safer, and more comfortable transport options.The route spans just 152 kilometers, officially making it the shortest commercial flight in Thailand. Operating initially on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the flight provides a dependable weekend connection between Betong and Hat Yai. Tickets start at 3,100 baht, excluding VAT, and can be purchased directly through the airline’s online booking platform.Strategic Hub at Hat YaiEzy Airlines has established Hat Yai International Airport as the central base for its expanding network of short-distance routes across southern Thailand. The airline is carving out a niche by offering quick regional connections—typically under an hour—between major urban centers and smaller, less accessible destinations that rarely appear on the radar of larger carriers. Through the use of compact aircraft and streamlined operations, Ezy Airlines is bridging vital service gaps in the domestic market, offering flexible and efficient air travel where it’s needed most.The Hat Yai–Betong route stands as more than a simple enhancement in transportation—it reflects a revitalized belief in the untapped value of regional airports as gateways to economic and tourism growth. Tucked away in Thailand’s far south, Betong has consistently captured the attention of both Thai and international travelers with its refreshing climate, stunning mountain landscapes, and rich cultural appeal.Reactivating an Idle AirportCommercial operations at Betong Airport came to a halt in October 2022, leaving the terminal mostly dormant for nearly three years. Despite its initial promise, the airport struggled to maintain regular service due to persistent logistical hurdles, limited passenger demand, and unsustainable operational expenses. Attempts to launch direct flights between Bangkok and Betong failed to gain long-term viability, forcing the facility into prolonged periods of inactivity.Now, with a leaner model and a shorter route, Ezy Airlines aims to bypass the pitfalls that hampered earlier attempts. The airline’s Cessna Grand Caravan requires a shorter runway and consumes significantly less fuel, making it ideal for Betong’s existing infrastructure. While the airport’s 1,800-meter runway limits access to larger jets, smaller aircraft like those operated by Ezy Airlines can land comfortably and efficiently.One of the most significant hurdles faced by previous operators was the lack of onsite refueling at Betong Airport. Aircraft were forced to stop elsewhere to refuel, increasing travel time and costs. By flying short regional hops that do not require mid-flight refueling, Ezy Airlines has found a workaround that allows it to operate profitably while maintaining safety and convenience for passengers.Tapping into Rising Tourism DemandDespite its limited accessibility in the past, Betong continues to draw a strong stream of travelers. On average, the district welcomes over 1.6 million visitors annually. Many are attracted by its cooler climate, natural hot springs, cultural festivals, and unique border-town charm. The growing popularity of Betong has created an urgent demand for more efficient travel options.Research and planning behind the launch revealed pent-up demand from both tourists and local residents. With limited public transport options in the region and unreliable ground routes, air connectivity now offers a dependable solution. The route is expected to benefit not only leisure travelers but also government officials, aid workers, business investors, and cross-border traders who frequently travel in and out of the deep south.Reviving Regional EconomiesThe relaunch of flights to Betong plays into a larger national strategy to develop infrastructure in Thailand’s border provinces. For decades, the deep south has struggled with limited investment and sporadic transportation links, hampering its ability to fully participate in the country’s economic growth. Ezy Airlines’ new route now helps bridge that gap, reconnecting Betong to a broader commercial ecosystem through Hat Yai, a well-established aviation hub.The impact extends beyond the aviation sector. With improved accessibility, local hotels, restaurants, markets, and tourist attractions are expected to see a steady rise in visitors. Tour operators and small businesses in Betong will likely benefit from renewed footfall, while regional trade and logistics networks will become more streamlined with easier access to urban centers.A Scalable Model for Future RoutesThis latest launch could serve as a template for future short-haul routes in Thailand. By leveraging smaller aircraft, focusing on high-need corridors, and minimizing operational overhead, Ezy Airlines is carving out a model that may be replicated in other remote regions. This scalable approach allows for the revival of previously unsustainable routes without the risks associated with large-scale commercial operations.EZY Airlines has restored air connectivity to Thailand’s remote border town of Betong with a new direct service from Hat Yai, eliminating the need for long, mountainous road travel and reviving access to the region after nearly three years without commercial flights.If successful, Ezy Airlines could pioneer a new era of regional air travel in Thailand—one that puts community needs and economic accessibility at the forefront. As Betong takes flight once again, its skies are no longer the limit but the starting point of a larger journey toward inclusion and development in the deep south.«Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us»

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