BANGKOK - Seven airlines will allow passengers to check up to 10kg of fresh fruit into the aircraft hold free of charge under a year-long programme covering 20 airports across Thailand.

The Commerce Ministry, through the Department of Internal Trade, has signed a cooperation agreement with the Transport Ministry’s Department of Airports and seven airline partners: Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet Air and EZY Airlines.

The programme will run from Sept 1, 2026, to Aug 31, 2027, and is intended to help farmers distribute seasonal produce, encourage consumption of Thai fruit and support domestic tourism.

Banjongjitt Angsusingh, adviser to the commerce minister, said the government was seeking a wider range of distribution channels for agricultural produce entering the market.

The cooperation would use the capabilities of airports and airlines to help travellers carry fruit home from producing areas and tourism destinations without having to pay additional transport charges, she said.

One free 10kg box per passenger

Passengers using the service will be entitled to one standard fruit box with a maximum weight of 10kg.

The Department of Internal Trade will supply the boxes to participating airports from Sept 1.

It will also work with provincial commerce offices to bring farmers into airport sales areas to sell seasonal fruit directly to travellers.

The Department of Airports will provide collection points for the boxes, assist passengers using the service and allocate temporary sales spaces for farmers at airports under its supervision.

The seven partner airlines will carry the fruit in their aircraft holds free of charge, subject to the 10kg limit per passenger, and promote the programme through their communication channels.

EZY Airlines is the official branding used by the participating Thai regional carrier.