Thai Airways Joins Vietjet, flydubai, and More Launch Exciting New Routes for 2026—Thailand’s Aviation Expansion Takes Off!

The year 2026 marks a significant step forward for Thailand’s aviation industry, as major airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announce exciting new international routes and frequency expansions. This expansion reflects the country’s commitment to boosting tourism, enhancing global connectivity, and offering travelers even more options for exploring the world from Thailand.

New International Routes and Resumptions

Several notable international routes are set to resume or launch, bringing travelers new destinations and increased access to Thailand.

One of the most anticipated returns is Thai Airways’ resumption of daily nonstop flights between Bangkok (BKK) and Amsterdam (AMS). After a 28-year hiatus, starting July 1, 2026, passengers will once again be able to fly directly between these two vibrant cities aboard the Airbus A350-900. This route will undoubtedly attract tourists from the Netherlands to Thailand, as well as serve as a vital connection for business and leisure travel.

In addition, Arkia Airlines is set to introduce new weekly flights between Tel Aviv (TLV) and Phuket (HKT) beginning in July 2026. The airline will operate these flights using widebody Airbus A330s, offering travelers in Israel and Thailand enhanced accessibility and convenience. This new service provides a direct link between Israel and one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations, Phuket, which is expected to be a significant boost for both tourism and trade.

flydubai is also ramping up its operations in Thailand, with the airline launching double-daily flights between Dubai (DXB) and Bangkok (DMK) starting September 15, 2026. This expansion will bring the total number of flydubai’s flights to Thailand up to 28 weekly flights, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a key transit hub for international travelers heading to and from Thailand.

Additionally, Thai Vietjet Air has already made strides in expanding its reach, launching daily nonstop flights between Tokyo (NRT) and Bangkok (BKK) starting February 2, 2026, using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. This new route will offer travelers direct access to Thailand from Japan, further strengthening bilateral ties and making it more convenient for travelers from Japan to explore Thailand’s attractions.

For those traveling from Japan’s Osaka (KIX), Thai Vietjet Air also began operations on February 3, 2026, with direct flights between Osaka and Bangkok. These new routes are set to attract even more visitors to Thailand from Japan, enhancing the country’s position as a leading destination in Asia.

The Bangkok (BKK) – Nha Trang (CXR) route, operated by Vietjet Thailand, officially debuted in late January 2026. With seven round-trip flights per week, this new service connects Thailand’s capital with Vietnam’s Nha Trang, a popular beach destination known for its stunning coastlines and vibrant culture. The new connection promises to be an exciting development for tourists eager to explore Vietnam from Thailand and vice versa.

Bangkok Airways is also adding to the growing list of new routes with the resumption of direct flights between Bangkok (BKK) and the Maldives (MLE) starting March 1, 2026. The Maldives, known for its luxury resorts and pristine beaches, is a highly sought-after destination for travelers from Thailand and around the world. This resumption will offer more options for holidaymakers planning tropical getaways.

Expanding Service and Frequency Increases

The 2026 travel season also sees existing routes expanded, offering passengers greater flexibility and more frequent options to travel between key cities.

British Airways will upgrade its London (LGW) – Bangkok (BKK) route to year-round service starting in the Summer 2026 timetable, operating three times weekly. This expansion is expected to cater to the growing demand for travel between the two major cities, offering more frequent and reliable options for both business and leisure travelers.

Thai Airways has introduced a new Airbus A321neo fleet on the Bangkok (BKK) – Singapore (SIN) route in January 2026, featuring 16 lie-flat Business Class seats. This upgrade enhances comfort and convenience for passengers flying between Thailand and Singapore, making the journey more luxurious for those looking to enjoy a premium travel experience.

Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, launched five weekly flights between Singapore (SIN) and Chiang Rai (CEI) starting January 1, 2026. This service provides travelers with a more affordable option to explore Chiang Rai, a province in Northern Thailand known for its rich culture, temples, and beautiful landscapes.

In India, Thai Airways plans to increase frequencies to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru for the Summer 2026 schedule. Additionally, there are potential new routes from Amritsar and Jaipur, further strengthening the airline’s presence in the rapidly growing Indian market. As India continues to see an increase in outbound travel, these expanded services are poised to meet the demand for greater connectivity between India and Thailand.

Future Developments in Thai Aviation

Looking toward the future, Thailand’s aviation landscape is set to undergo further expansion with new developments and infrastructure upgrades.

Hua Hin International Airport is scheduled to achieve international certification by April 2026, opening the door for direct flights to Phuket. This new development will be an exciting opportunity for tourists visiting Hua Hin and those looking to explore both the beach town and Phuket in one trip.

SAS, Scandinavian Airlines, has also announced new long-haul routes for the Winter 2026/27 season, with direct flights between Copenhagen (CPH) and Phuket/Krabi. These new routes will provide greater access for Europeans traveling to Thailand, offering a convenient and direct connection between Scandinavia and Thailand’s most beautiful coastal areas.

Conclusion

The 2026 travel season promises to be a transformative year for Thailand’s aviation industry with new routes, increased frequency, and a focus on improving the travel experience for passengers. With Thai Airways, Vietjet, flydubai, and other major carriers expanding their services, Thailand will continue to cement its place as a top travel destination in Asia. As new international routes open up and more frequent services are offered, travelers will have greater flexibility and convenience in exploring the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities that Thailand has to offer.

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