The Civil Aviation Committee Brings New Passenger Rights Rules: Thai Airways, AirAsia, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and More In The List
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  • Paramita Sarkar

The Civil Aviation Committee’s new passenger rights regulations, effective from November 2025, boost compensation for delays and cancellations on both domestic and international airlines.

The Civil Aviation Committee has introduced Regulation No. 101, effective from November 20, 2025, setting out new measures for the protection of passenger rights on domestic and international scheduled flights. The updated rules significantly enhance compensation packages for flight delays, cancellations, and tarmac delays, ensuring a higher level of protection for passengers while aligning with global standards for air travel. The new regulations will affect both Thai domestic airlines and international airlines operating to and from Thailand.

What Are the Key Changes in the New Regulations?

The newly announced regulations include an increase in compensation for domestic flight delays and cancellations. Under the updated rules:

  • Compensation for domestic flight delays exceeding five hours will rise from 600 baht to 1,200 baht.
  • For domestic flight cancellations, passengers will now receive 1,500 baht in compensation, up from the previous 1,200 baht.
  • Airlines may also offer alternative compensation such as travel credits, frequent-flyer miles, or other similar alternatives.

These changes come in response to growing demands for better protection for passengers and fairer compensation for delays, particularly when it comes to long tarmac delays.

Which Domestic Airlines Are Affected?

The new regulations will apply to all domestic airlines operating within Thailand. Major Thai carriers affected include:

  • Thai Airways International – The country’s flagship carrier, offering both domestic and international flights.
  • Thai AirAsia – A major low-cost carrier serving a variety of domestic routes within Thailand.
  • Bangkok Airways – A regional airline known for operating flights within Thailand and Southeast Asia.
  • Nok Air – A low-cost carrier primarily focusing on domestic routes in Thailand.
  • Thai Lion Air – Operating domestic flights as part of the international Lion Air network.
  • Thai VietJet Air – A low-cost airline offering both domestic and international flights from Thailand.

These domestic airlines must comply with the updated compensation requirements, ensuring passengers receive appropriate compensation for delays exceeding five hours and cancellations.

Which International Airlines Are Affected?

The updated regulations also apply to international airlines operating flights to and from Thailand. Major international carriers affected include:

  • Singapore Airlines – Offering direct flights to Singapore and beyond from Thailand.
  • Cathay Pacific Airways – Operating flights between Hong Kong and various Thai cities.
  • Emirates – Serving flights from Dubai to Thailand and other Southeast Asian destinations.
  • Qatar Airways – Providing services between Doha and Thailand.
  • Malaysia Airlines – Operating regional flights between Malaysia and Thailand.
  • All Nippon Airways (ANA) – Japan’s largest airline providing services from Tokyo to Thailand.
  • Lufthansa – Offering direct flights from Germany to Thailand.
  • British Airways – Operating flights from London to Bangkok.
  • Air India – Providing services from India to Thailand.
  • Garuda Indonesia – Offering services from Jakarta to Bangkok.

These international airlines must comply with the new compensation rules when operating within Thailand’s airspace. They are required to offer compensation for delays exceeding five hours and cancellations, as well as ensure proper management of tarmac delays in compliance with the new guidelines.

How Will Tarmac Delays Be Handled Under the New Regulations?

The new regulations set clear guidelines for tarmac delays, requiring airlines to handle these situations in the same manner as flight delays. Airlines must:

  • Provide adequate ventilation, temperature control, and access to lavatories for passengers during tarmac delays.
  • If a delay exceeds three hours, and no estimated take-off time has been provided, passengers must be allowed to disembark the aircraft, except in cases where doing so could compromise safety, security, or air traffic management.
  • Airlines must promptly assist passengers requiring urgent medical attention, facilitating appropriate care where feasible.

This regulation aims to improve the comfort and safety of passengers, especially during extended waits on the runway.

When Will These New Regulations Take Effect?

The new passenger rights regulations will take effect on November 20, 2025. Airlines are expected to adjust their policies and operational procedures to meet the new standards by this date. Passengers are advised to familiarize themselves with the updated compensation procedures to understand what they are entitled to in the event of delays or cancellations.

Why Were These Changes Introduced?

The new regulations were introduced to enhance passenger protection, ensuring that those affected by flight delays and cancellations are compensated fairly. The aim is to set higher standards for passenger care, particularly during tarmac delays. With the increase in global air travel, the Civil Aviation Committee sought to align Thailand’s standards with international norms, ensuring a better experience for all travelers.

How Are Authorities Ensuring Success for These Regulations?

The Civil Aviation Committee, in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), will oversee the enforcement of these new regulations. Airlines failing to comply with the updated standards may face penalties, including fines or operational restrictions. Passengers are encouraged to report any non-compliance to the CAAT, which will take appropriate action.

New Civil Aviation Regulations Set to Improve Passenger Rights in Thailand

The new regulations introduced by the Civil Aviation Committee mark a significant step forward in improving passenger rights in Thailand. The increase in compensation for delays and cancellations, alongside new rules for tarmac delays, will provide greater protection for air travelers. Both domestic and international airlines will be held accountable, ensuring that all passengers flying to, from, or within Thailand are afforded the necessary protections when disruptions occur.

As the regulations come into effect on November 20, 2025, passengers are urged to stay informed and ensure they understand their rights under the new passenger protection guidelines. Airlines will need to adjust their operational processes, while travelers can expect a smoother and more transparent compensation process for future travel disruptions.

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