Thai AirAsia has suspended flights from Phuket to Ho Chi Minh City HCM and Medan as traffic demand has been lower than expected.The suspension seems to weaken the budget carriers drive since late last year to make the southern resort island its second hub in Thailand after Suvarnabhumi Airport.The no-frills airline quietly ended daily Phuket-HCM services on May 15 and Phuket-Medan services, at thrice a week, on May 1. These flights began in December.Chief executive Tassapon Bijleveld said the suspension was temporary and the airline was prepared to restore the flights back to its network once demand returns.

Vietnams order prohibiting its citizens from visiting Thailand during the Kingdoms political turmoil in recent months contributed to the slump in demand.
via Phuket air routes dropped.