Thai AirAsia flies to Prague
Thai AirAsia is operating special repatriation flights from Asia to Prague, Czech Republic brining home stranded Czech and European citizens home. It has operated two flights time now with one flying in from Bangkok and the other arriving from Penang. Both were flown using latest technology A330-900 aircraft which were delivered to the airline less than a year ago.
Repatriation flight details
Thai AirAsia operated two flights to Prague. The first flight was operated by an A330-900 registered as HS-XJB as XJ212 which was flown from Bangkok, Penang to Prague on the 29th of last month. This flight also carried medical supplies from Penang which was around 7 tonnes. The flight has brought back 244 Czech citizens with 3 belonging to other European states.
The first Thai AirAsia X flight was flown between Penang and Prague using a brand new A330-900. Photo: Flightradar24
The second Thai AirAsia X was operated by another A330-900 two days later on the 31st of March registered as HS-XJA from Bangkok to Prague as XJ214. This was the second aircraft to arrive from Thailand in two days. It had repatriated 83 Czech and 14 Foreigners residing in Czech Republic along with 71 Austrians, 48 Slovaks, 31 Hungarians and Italians.
The second flight was flown between Bangkok and Prague as XJ 214. Photo: Flightradar24
The ministry of Foreign Affairs has arranged 12 special planes flying to 15 countries and 69 buses were despatched for 4100 Czech citizens who were repatriated till now.
Suspension of its flights
Thai AirAsia X has suspended international operations since the 16th of March. It had said it would operate domestic services during April. Thai AirAsia accounts for about 19% of the total market share in Thailand. Its national carrier Thai Airways has grounded and suspended most of its fleet and routes.
One of the two Thai AirAsia X repartation flights flown from Thailand to Prague. Photo: Prague Airport
This is mainly due to the impact of coronavirus, which has resulted in countires imposing travel bans and restrictions which is leading to low travel demand. Major airlines in Thailand have asked for a 16 billion Bhat bailout. Thai AirAsia X is part of the AirAsia group which has suspends most of its operations. Meanwhile its sister arm AirAsia X has flown to Rome for repatriation of Malaysian citizens.