BANGKOK – For the first time in ten years, direct air connectivity between Thailand and the United States will be reestablished on October 25, with United Airlines launching a daily service between Bangkok and Los Angeles. The airline becomes the first carrier to operate a direct link since the route was suspended in 2015, a move made possible by an upgrade in Thailand’s aviation safety rating.

Thai Airways plans to resume direct flights to US next year

The resumption follows the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) decision in April of this year to restore Thailand to its Category 1 safety status. The FAA had originally downgraded the country to Category 2 in 2015, effectively barring Thai carriers from new services to the U.S. and subjecting existing operations to increased scrutiny, which ultimately led to the cessation of all direct flights. United Airlines will operate the route via a stop in Hong Kong utilizing the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

#Bangkok After 10 years, Direct USA flights coming soon!https://t.co/GWujAcBcyR

— Russ (@solo_travelr) April 24, 2025

Notably absent from the relaunched route is Thailand’s national carrier, Thai Airways International. The airline has confirmed that US destinations are not part of its current expansion strategy, citing fierce competition on trans-Pacific routes. This stance persists despite previous expressions of interest from former Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who had advocated for the national carrier’s return to the US to bolster Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport as a premier aviation hub.

TAT Welcomes Direct Flights from Frankfurt

The return of direct service is widely anticipated by travel and business communities, which expect a significant boost in tourism and commercial ties, particularly with the U.S. West Coast. Industry observers now await signals on whether other airlines will follow United’s lead or if Thai Airways will reconsider its strategic position in the future.

-Thailand News (TN)