Bangkok Airways, one of Thailand’s leading domestic carriers, has announced the suspension of flights between Bangkok and Mae Hong Son, a popular northwestern destination often frequented by backpackers and travelers seeking to explore Thailand’s rugged northern landscapes. The decision, confirmed by the airline on March 5, 2025, stems from severe air pollution that has blanketed the region, reducing visibility to levels deemed unsafe for landing. The suspension will take effect from March 15 and continue through April 20, affecting a key route that connects the bustling capital to a province renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. This move underscores the growing environmental challenges facing Thailand, particularly in its northern regions, where seasonal smog has become an annual concern.
.gif)
The primary cause of this air quality crisis is the widespread practice of crop burning, which peaks between December and April as farmers clear stubble to prepare their fields for the next planting season. In Mae Hong Son, the resulting smog has reached critical levels, with the air quality index reported to be 7.9 times higher than the World Health Organization’s guidelines, according to data from IQAir, a global air pollution monitoring service. This thick haze, compounded by wildfires and dry weather conditions, has drastically impaired visibility, posing a direct threat to aviation safety. Bangkok Airways noted that it faced similar issues in 2024 when smog levels also forced temporary flight cancellations. An airline official emphasized that the decision prioritizes passenger and crew safety, as the dense smog makes it nearly impossible for pilots to navigate landings at Mae Hong Son’s airport. Mae Hong Son, nestled near the Myanmar border, is a favored stop on Thailand’s backpacker trail, offering misty mountains, remote villages, and a quieter alternative to the more tourist-heavy destinations like Chiang Mai. The suspension of flights, however, could disrupt travel plans for thousands of visitors and impact local businesses that rely on tourism during this period. The Mae Hong Son airport authority announced the closure on social media last week, citing the smog’s effect on both visibility and overall airline safety. Bangkok Airways typically operates this route from its hub at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, making it a vital lifeline for the province, which lacks the extensive road or rail infrastructure of other regions.
Thailand has been grappling with air pollution for years, with the northern provinces bearing the brunt due to agricultural practices and transboundary haze from neighboring countries. In response, the Thai government introduced a nationwide ban on crop burning earlier in 2025, threatening violators with fines and legal action. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain, as enforcement is challenging in rural areas, and the smog persists. The government has also tasked the Department of National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation with providing regular updates to reassure businesses and the public, though the immediate outlook for air quality improvement appears bleak.
This suspension highlights broader implications for Thailand’s aviation and tourism industries, both critical to its economy. Bangkok Airways’ decision may prompt other carriers to reassess their operations in affected regions, while travelers could face increased costs or delays as they seek alternative routes, such as road travel, which is less efficient and more time-consuming. Meanwhile, the environmental toll of the pollution is alarming, with millions requiring medical treatment annually for respiratory issues linked to poor air quality. As Thailand aims to position itself as a regional aviation hub by 2037, with a planned investment of 3.6 billion THB in advanced technology, addressing this recurring crisis will be essential to maintaining its appeal to global visitors and ensuring the safety of its skies. For now, the skies over Mae Hong Son remain clouded, both literally and figuratively, as the nation confronts this persistent challenge.