BANGKOK – Thailand has extended its temporary ban on incoming international passenger flights until June 30, with few exceptions.
The Civil Aviation Authority's ban extends a previous order that was set to run until the end of May.
The move comes as the nation’s flag carrier, THAI Airways, fights for survival.
One option being considered for THAI is a file for bankruptcy, allowing the government – which owns 51% of the airline - to take full control of the carrier’s rehabilitation, backed by a mooted bailout valued around 60 billion baht, around US$1.8 billion.
Any government rehabilitation plan would involve downsizing THAI’s fleet and job losses.
Deputy Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, said that several internal rehab plans have been conducted, but with no success.
THAI recorded a net loss of US$66 million in 2017, according to filings with the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The losses surged to $361m in 2018 and $374m last year.