Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand welcomed the arrival of Norse Atlantic Airways’ inaugural flight from London-Gatwick to Bangkok on 27 October, marking the start of the airline’s new seasonal service for the 2025/2026 winter schedule.
The maiden flight landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport to a warm Thai-style welcome, attended by The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) executives and representatives from Airports of Thailand (AOT). Passengers were greeted with souvenirs and traditional hospitality, highlighting Thailand’s signature charm.
Operating from October 2025 through April 2026, Norse Atlantic Airways’ London–Bangkok route features 99 scheduled flights, using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with 338 seats. The airline will run two to three flights weekly in October and November, increasing to four to five flights per week from December through April—meeting growing demand for travel between the UK and Thailand.
Ms. Suladda Sarutilavan, Director of TAT Europe Region, noted that the expansion of Norse Atlantic’s services reflects the success of TAT’s Airlines Focus Strategy aimed at strengthening Thailand’s long-haul market connections.
To boost awareness and bookings, TAT and Norse Atlantic Airways are collaborating on marketing campaigns from September to November 2025. The initiatives include social media contests, digital advertising across the airline’s platforms, and special promotions on Expedia and Skyscanner. These campaigns spotlight Thailand’s diverse attractions, sustainable tourism, and Hidden Gem destinations, encouraging travellers to explore meaningful experiences beyond the usual routes.
The launch supports TAT’s strategic target of 1.13 million British travellers in 2025, projected to generate 70.46 billion Baht in tourism revenue. The development also aligns with Norse Atlantic Airways’ broader network expansion, which includes five new seasonal routes to Thailand for the winter 2025/2026 season—further strengthening air access to Bangkok and Phuket from Europe.
The United Kingdom remains one of Thailand’s most important long-haul markets, consistently ranking among the top ten sources of international visitors. Between 1 January and 20 October 2025, Thailand welcomed over 805,000 UK travellers, a 13.2% increase year-on-year, with an average stay of 15.9 days and spending around 63,000 Baht per trip. Forecasts show continued growth of 10% for Q4 2025 and 13% for Q1 2026, underscoring Thailand’s ongoing appeal to British tourists.
Adding to this momentum, Thailand earned top rankings in the Condé Nast Traveller UK 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, featuring among the best destinations in Asia. Islands such as Ko Lanta, Ko Chang, Phuket, and Ko Samui were recognized for their natural beauty, world-class hospitality, and luxury offerings.
In related aviation news, Bangkok continues to strengthen its position as a global hub with the return of United Airlines. On 26 October 2025, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, welcomed United Airlines’ inaugural flight from Los Angeles to Bangkok, marking the carrier’s first return to Thailand in over 11 years. Operated daily via Hong Kong, the route restores a key connection between Thailand and the United States, offering enhanced convenience for North American travellers. The stop in Hong Kong also allows seamless connections for passengers from United’s San Francisco–Hong Kong flights to continue onward to Bangkok. Both Los Angeles and San Francisco serve as major hubs, linking to over 75 destinations across the Americas, further cementing Bangkok’s reputation as a leading gateway to Asia and a major hub for long-haul travel.
With new routes from both Europe and North America, Thailand’s skies are opening wider than ever—offering travellers around the world easier access to the Land of Smiles’ beaches, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems.