AirAsia has launched a 100,000 free seats promotion on flights to and from its hubs primarily in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Johor), Thailand (Bangkok) and Indonesia (Jakarta). Travellers only have to pay taxes, fees, and any surcharges.

The proactive campaign, a joint collaboration between AirAsia and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is aimed at kick-starting tourism to Thailand following declines caused by the recent closure of Bangkok's two main international airports. The AirAsia Group operates over 400 international weekly flights that directly connect Thailand to the rest of Southeast Asia and China. Within Thailand, AirAsia Group’s Bangkok-based affiliate, Thai AirAsia, operates 378 flights weekly.

“As an ‘ASEAN Airline’, we are pleased to be the first airline to respond to this recent political instability climate by driving the traffic back to the country with this free seat campaign. It is also part of our continuous efforts to promote and contribute to the growth of Thailand’s tourism industry by sustaining the country’s reputation as a premier tourist destination. We hope that this campaign will instill the confidence among travelers and also help to boost tourism which is vital at this juncture,” said Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia Berhad.

The 100,000 free seats allocation includes all international flights on AirAsia’s route network in Thailand - from Bangkok hub to Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi), Cambodia (Phnom Penh), Myammar (Rangoon), Jakarta, Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru), Singapore, China (Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macau) and from Phuket to Singapore.

Free seats are also available for Thai domestic destinations from Bangkok to Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiawat and Ranong. The free seats also include routes from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket, Chiang Mai and Krabi.

The "free" seats are available for booking between 17 – 19 December 2008 for travel between 6 January – 31 March 2009. Seats under the promotion are limited and may not be available on all flights.