Thai Lion Air flagged over false promotion

Executives at Thai Lion Air (TLA) will be called to explain why the airline sold tickets for flights to Myanmar, even though it had yet to receive approval to fly to the country, according to the Transport Ministry. The move followed a complaint after the carrier launched a promotion for the flights on April 25 despite not having permission from Myanmar aviation authorities to fly to the country. The promotion was set for flights starting on May 20. Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said such practices cannot be condoned and he ordered agencies to address the issue. Passengers would also be alerted. Permanent secretary for transport Chartchai Tipsunave said the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) also was probing the issue. Airlines can sell tickets only for flights which have been approved by the authorities in the departing and destination countries. <br/>