Krabi frets over closure of Jetstar Asia

Krabi tourism operators are worried about the closure of Singapore-based Jetstar Asia, as Singaporean tourists were among its top five source markets.

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

In response, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said it plans to talk with other airlines to lift all short-haul markets.

The TAT is maintaining its Singapore arrivals target at 1.15 million this year.

Qantas Group, which owns 49% of Jetstar Asia, announced yesterday its intra-Asia low-cost airline would be shuttered next month, as the airline faces high airport fees, rising supplier costs and intense competition.

Jetstar Asia is continuing operations until the end of July, and its closure does not affect Jetstar Airways' domestic and international routes in Australia and New Zealand, nor Jetstar Japan.

The fleet of 13 A320 jets are expected to be deployed to Australia and New Zealand.