File photo

 

Several international airlines are keen on expanding direct routes to Thailand, according to the Airports of Thailand (AoT). Potential launches are expected during the upcoming summer scheduling period. Anake Teeraviwatchai of AoT highlighted this interest following the 157th IATA Slot Conference held in Lisbon, Portugal.

 

The conference, which took place from 18–20 November, supports the global slot-allocation process for the Summer 2026 season and aims to enhance route networks across AoT's six airports. Over 1,300 participants from more than 300 airports and 250 airlines around the world attended. AoT engaged in discussions with several major airlines including British Airways, Air Canada, and Virgin Atlantic UK.

 

Talks at the conference were centred on airport capacity data and the potential for new routes. This signals strong momentum for expanding Thailand’s international connectivity, particularly with new direct routes from North America and Europe under consideration. The discussions are a promising indication of future growth in Thailand's travel sector.

 

Japanese carriers also expressed interest in launching direct flights to popular tourist destinations like Phuket and Chiang Mai. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern airlines showed interest in new routes to Hat Yai Airport, broadening their reach within Thailand. These efforts will enhance Thailand’s status as a global travel hub.

 

Looking ahead, several airlines will assess the feasibility of these new routes for inclusion in their next scheduling period. The expanded connectivity promises to boost tourism and economic activity across Thailand, aligning with the country's efforts to enhance its aviation sector.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• International airlines are considering new direct routes to Thailand.
• Discussions focused on expanding connectivity, especially from North America and Europe.
• Future expansions include direct flights to Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai.

 

Related Story:
Direct Flights from Thailand to US Return After 10 Years

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Po

st 2025-12-02

 

 

 

Considering, considering, that won't get us anywhere. It would be great if Evaair started a direct flight from BKK to BRU, but that will remain wishful thinking.

Although, AMS is now becoming so expensive that it does not seem impossible.

22 hours ago, webfact said:

Middle Eastern airlines showed interest in new routes to Hat Yai Airport

 

It's hard for me to see why Hat Yai would make any sense for them as a long-haul destination, but what do I know...

1 hour ago, khunjeff said:

 

It's hard for me to see why Hat Yai would make any sense for them as a long-haul destination, but what do I know...

Muslim communities at both ends of the flight.

There will not be any nonstops to BKK from the USA

1 minute ago, Yagoda said:

There will not be any nonstops to BKK from the USA

I think you can now fly non-stop from Bangkok to Los Angeles and San Francisco with United Airlines.  A bit of a limited choice of locations and airline of course.

On 12/2/2025 at 11:23 AM, webfact said:

AoT engaged in discussions with several major airlines including British Airways, Air Canada, and Virgin Atlantic UK.

Interesting. I wonder why they didn't mention talks with U.S. carriers. United made an earlier announcement that it will offer direct service again (with a stop in HKG). Haven't seen any other U.S. airline announcements. Air Canada said it would begin year-round non-stop service to BKK next year (up from the seasonal non-stop it has now). So it seems AC will still be the only non-stop between Thailand and North America, but at least more frequent.

2 hours ago, Peterphuket said:

Considering, considering, that won't get us anywhere. It would be great if Evaair started a direct flight from BKK to BRU, but that will remain wishful thinking.

Although, AMS is now becoming so expensive that it does not seem impossible.

I think the only reason EVA stops in Bangkok to-from London, is because many if not most of the passengers have either BKK or London as their destination. Not Taipei. Without a BKK stop, the route might not be viable. That might be the same thinking at United and why they have a stop in HKG. 

7 minutes ago, Watawattana said:

I think you can now fly non-stop from Bangkok to Los Angeles and San Francisco with United Airlines.  A bit of a limited choice of locations and airline of course.

There are none and will be no non stops to the USA

2 hours ago, khunjeff said:

 

It's hard for me to see why Hat Yai would make any sense for them as a long-haul destination, but what do I know...

Not sure there's demand enough for direct flights, we already have Thai Airways code share flights with Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air and Bangkok Airways code share with Emirates.

4 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

I think the only reason EVA stops in Bangkok to-from London, is because many if not most of the passengers have either BKK or London as their destination. Not Taipei. Without a BKK stop, the route might not be viable. That might be the same thinking at United and why they have a stop in HKG. 

 

7 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

I think the only reason EVA stops in Bangkok to-from London, is because many if not most of the passengers have either BKK or London as their destination. Not Taipei. Without a BKK stop, the route might not be viable. That might be the same thinking at United and why they have a stop in HKG. 

I agree with you, but Evaair already flies to AMS with a direct flight from BKK.
Because I dislike AMS airport and those prices, including taxes, are rising significantly, I hope that Evaair changes its mind.

5 hours ago, Peterphuket said:

Considering, considering, that won't get us anywhere. It would be great if Evaair started a direct flight from BKK to BRU, but that will remain wishful thinking.

Although, AMS is now becoming so expensive that it does not seem impossible.

Would be super uf EVA

had a flight to MUC.

5 hours ago, Watawattana said:

I think you can now fly non-stop from Bangkok to Los Angeles and San Francisco with United Airlines.  A bit of a limited choice of locations and airline of course.

I believe they are direct flights because they do stop in Hong Kong.   Non-stop does not stop between the departure and arrival destination.

5 hours ago, Yagoda said:

There will not be any nonstops to BKK from the USA

JFK-BKK non-stop with Thai Air was wonderful while it lasted.  Especially for non-rev passengers flying stand by.  It eliminated the stress of  not being able to get on a connecting flight/

20 minutes ago, Suetape said:

I believe they are direct flights because they do stop in Hong Kong.   Non-stop does not stop between the departure and arrival destination.

Thanks.

11 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

I think the only reason EVA stops in Bangkok to-from London, is because many if not most of the passengers have either BKK or London as their destination. Not Taipei. Without a BKK stop, the route might not be viable. That might be the same thinking at United and why they have a stop in HKG. 

I  have wondered that. Also assume not enough business London to Taipei direct. I can never remember the other Taiwanese airline. Air China or China Airlines. I think they do fly to Heathrow and I assume non stop or via Hong Kong. Again In would have thought not enough business for a non stop flight.

On 12/3/2025 at 11:43 AM, Watawattana said:

I think you can now fly non-stop from Bangkok to Los Angeles and San Francisco with United Airlines.  A bit of a limited choice of locations and airline of course.

It isn't direct stops in Hong Kong.

15 hours ago, thailand49 said:

It isn't direct stops in Hong Kong.

Thanks.

I just landed Wednesday 12/3 on United planes from SFO to BKK through Hong Kong. The HK layover was supposed to be 2 1/2 hours, and when I got there the connection turned out to be 2 hours delayed. I wonder if this is just United or could happen to any airline; their rep is not great of course. But the nice bar lady in the lounge I got into said Everything free, all you can drink. I don't remember a lot after that, but I did get on the flight to BKK, and an honest taxi driver got me into the Asoke area for about the same price I paid 15 years ago.