Jetstar expands Thailand services after White Lotus travel boom

Thanks to the TV megahit, The White Lotus, more holiday-makers than ever are flocking to Thailand and Jetstar has allocated 100,000 more seats to meet the demand. See the deals here.

The exploding popularity of the hit television series The White Lotus has prompted Jetstar to expand its long-haul services to Thailand following a surge in demand.

The Australian airline announced on Friday an additional five weekly return services, amounting to an extra 100,000 seats, following the release of the wildly popular show’s third season.

The latest season – set on the country’s second largest island Ko Samui – has seen global interest in the region skyrocket, with travellers looking at the tropical destination for their next getaway.

Jetstar alone last year had more than 400,000 passengers fly into Thailand, with that number expected to increase off the back of the island’s booming popularity.

The popularity of HBO’s hit show White Lotus’ third season has seen a surge in travel demand. Picture: Supplied

SEE FLIGHTS BELOW

The airline will now operate an extra two return flights out of Brisbane into Bangkok, an additional weekly service between Melbourne and Bangkok and two more flights from Sydney into Phuket during the Christmas holidays.

The airline also increased the number of services flying into Korea and Japan, with an additional three weekly flights out of Sydney into Seoul, an extra service into Osaka during the Christmas holiday peak.

Jetstar’s Executive Manager of Commercial Planning Lyle Brownscombe said the additional flights showed booming demand from Australian holiday-makers for affordable international travel.

“Our growth into Asia is backed by a significant investment in our fleet, including next-

generation aircraft and upgrades to our Dreamliners, allowing us to fly further and more efficiently with more comfort for passengers,” Mr Brownscombe said.

The flights, which start at $299 one-way between Sydney and Phuket and $309 one-way between Melbourne and Bangkok, will be flown by Boeing 787 Dreamliners freed up by Jetstar’s retiring Hawaii services.

The final services in late October will be replaced by Qantas routes which will operate services out of Melbourne and Sydney into Honolulu.

Originally published as Jetstar expands Thailand services after White Lotus travel boom