A group of journalists and online media representatives joined executives from Ezy Airlines on a familiarisation trip to Mae Hong Son ahead of the airline’s planned launch of regular direct services between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.
The new route is expected to significantly improve connectivity between the two northern provinces, reducing travel time from between five and seven hours by road to approximately 40 minutes by air. Daily scheduled services are expected to begin on 1st October 2026.
The media delegation departed from Chiang Mai International Airport aboard Ezy Airlines’ 12-seat aircraft, led by airline executive Thanee Tharaphak. The ten-member group travelled to Mae Hong Son to explore local attractions and gather information to promote the province and the upcoming air service.
Upon arrival at Mae Hong Son Airport, the delegation was welcomed by Pakorn Jeenakham, Member of Parliament for Mae Hong Son Constituency 1 from the Kla Tham Party; Nantiwat Konglek, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries’ Mae Hong Son chapter; and members of Mae Hong Son Municipality Council.
No senior representatives of Mae Hong Son Airport were present during the visit, with only ground service staff and security personnel on duty to assist with the group’s arrival and departure.
During an inspection of the airport, journalists observed construction work in the car park as part of a project to relocate electrical cables underground. Electrical sockets in parts of the passenger waiting area were reportedly not operational, although air-conditioning was available inside the terminal.
Exploring Mae Hong Son’s Tourism Potential
Following their arrival, the media group toured Mae Hong Son town by tram, visiting several of the province’s best-known religious and cultural attractions.
The first stop was Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, an important landmark overlooking Mae Hong Son. The hilltop temple is home to two distinctive white chedis.
The larger chedi was built by Shan merchant Jong Tong Su and is believed to contain relics of the Venerable Moggallana brought from Myanmar. The smaller chedi was constructed by Phraya Singhanat Racha, the first governor of Mae Hong Son.
The temple’s viewpoint offers panoramic views across Mae Hong Son town, including a clear view of the airport and the surrounding mountains.
The group also visited Wat Phra Non, home to one of Mae Hong Son’s largest reclining Buddha images. The approximately 12-metre-long statue reflects a blend of Shan and Burmese artistic styles. Two large guardian lion statues, regarded as important local symbols, stand behind the temple near the original pathway leading to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu.
Another stop was Mae Hong Son River, a small stream running through the centre of Mae Hong Son. The shaded riverside area is popular among local residents for walking, exercising and relaxing, while also offering visitors peaceful scenery and numerous photography spots.
The group later visited Wat Chong Kham, a third-class royal temple located beside Chong Kham Lake. The temple shares the same compound wall with Wat Chong Klang, and the two are commonly referred to as Mae Hong Son’s twin temples.
‘If You Have the Heart, You Will Make It Here’
Pakorn Jeenakham said the return of commercial air services would provide an important alternative for residents and visitors, particularly because Mae Hong Son Airport has limitations that make it unsuitable for many larger aircraft.
“Thailand has many airports where commercial flights are limited or unavailable because there are not enough suitable small aircraft, while larger aircraft cannot always operate safely at certain airports,” he said.
“Mae Hong Son is one of those destinations. The introduction of a small aircraft service by Ezy Airlines will therefore provide another convenient travel option for local residents.”
He noted that the road distance between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son is approximately 250 kilometres, with journeys normally taking between five and seven hours due to the mountainous terrain.
“People in Mae Hong Son want to travel out, while people from outside want to come in,” Pakorn said. “Several airlines previously operated here but later discontinued their services. For many years, we have continued to call for improved transport links and the return of regular flights.”
He added that better air connectivity could create new opportunities for local people, businesses and the tourism sector.
“Mae Hong Son has tremendous potential, with beautiful natural landscapes, art, culture and traditions waiting to be discovered,” he said. “It is impossible to describe everything in just a few words. I can only say: ‘If you have the heart, you will make it here.’”
Pakorn said he was prepared to support and coordinate with relevant agencies to help the new route begin operations as soon as possible.
Daily Flights Planned from October
According to Thanee Tharaphak, Ezy Airlines will operate the route using the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, with the airline’s first registered aircraft carrying the registration HS-EZY.
The air-conditioned aircraft accommodates up to 12 passengers and features leather seating designed to offer a comfortable and private travel experience.
Manufactured by US-based Textron Aviation, the single-engine turboprop aircraft is designed for short-haul operations and is capable of using shorter runways, making it suitable for mountainous destinations such as Mae Hong Son.
Ezy Airlines, operated by M-Landarch Co., Ltd., has previously provided charter flight services and is preparing to introduce scheduled Chiang Mai–Mae Hong Son services.
A grand opening event is planned for August 2026 at Central Chiang Mai Airport, with the exact date to be announced. Initial flight services are expected to begin in mid-September before full daily operations commence on 1st October 2026.
“Regular daily flights will officially begin on 1st October,” Thanee said. “Preliminary fares are expected to range from 3,000 to 3,500 baht per journey, with two to three flights planned each day.”
The airline is also considering services between Chiang Mai and Pai, with flights potentially operating three days per week.
The service is expected to benefit local residents, elderly passengers and travellers who need a faster and more convenient alternative to road transport. It will also target premium travellers and tourists during Mae Hong Son’s peak tourism season.
Premium Tourism and Integrated Travel Packages
Thanee described Mae Hong Son as a destination with a strong natural ecosystem and a distinctive slow-life character that appeals to modern travellers seeking tranquillity, mountain scenery and authentic local experiences.
“Mae Hong Son’s landscapes are comparable to many international destinations,” he said. “Visitors can experience morning mist and mountain views in several locations, including Ban Rak Thai and Pai.”
Ezy Airlines also plans to work with tourism businesses to develop integrated travel products, including Fly & Stay packages and bundled offers combining flights with accommodation, restaurants, tour operators and local activities.
The airline believes these partnerships will allow travellers to purchase complete tourism packages while creating additional revenue opportunities for businesses in both Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.
“The purpose of Ezy Airlines is to strengthen transport connections, support tourism and stimulate the economies of Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son,” Thanee said.
“We are focusing on premium tourism by offering convenience, exclusive services, privacy and high-quality travel experiences across every aspect of the journey.”
Flight Reservations
Ezy Airlines is preparing to launch its Chiang Mai–Mae Hong Son service, with introductory flights scheduled to begin on 17th September 2026, followed by the commencement of full daily operations on 1st October 2026.
Passengers wishing to book flights or enquire about the new route can contact Ezy Airlines via Line Official: @EzyAirlines (https://lin.ee/5UQb6Sf) or by telephone at (+66) 20 962 9216.
