Asian air route updates: Thai Lion Air, SpiceJet, Tigerair and more

Thai Lion Air expands domestic network

Where? Bangkok Don Mueang to Khon Kaen (both Thailand)
When? Twice a day, effective 17 March 2017
Who? Thai Lion Air
Why? Low-cost carrier continues to expand domestic links with new service to prominent city in northeast Thailand
Anything else? Temperatures can soar on the Korat Plateau, where Khon Kaen is located. The city’s highest recorded temperature in was almost 43ᵒC

SIA switches LCCs on Jaipur route

Where? Singapore to Jaipur, pictured (India)
When? Four times a week, effective 26 March 2017
Who? Tigerair
Why? Tigerair is taking over the Jaipur route from its sister airline Scoot, which launched flights to the Indian city last year
Anything else? Located in Rajasthan, Jaipur is nicknamed the “Pink City” because of the colour of the stone used to build many of the buildings

SpiceJet adds new Bangkok connection

Where? Delhi (India) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (Thailand)
When? Six times a week, effective 15 April 2017 (rising to daily)
Who? SpiceJet
Why? Expanding low-cost carrier taps rising demand for Indian travel to Thailand, using its largest aircraft – a 212-seat Boeing 737-900
Anything else? Having almost gone out of business in late 2014, SpiceJet has recovered strongly and recently placed a huge order for 205 aircraft

Cathay Dragon to launch Japanese charter flights

Where? Hong Kong to Komatsu (Japan)
When? Twice a week from 16 April to 29 June 2017
Who? Cathay Dragon
Why? New charter service to Ishikawa, the coastal prefecture in eastern Honshu, will start in time to view the annual cherry blossom
Anything else? Hoshi Ryokan in Komatsu is reputed to be the world’s second oldest hotel