Thailand, US in Talks for direct Flights⁢ After ⁢FAA Upgrade

Updated June 11, 2025
⁢

Thailand is pushing to re-establish direct flight routes between Thailand and the United States, aiming⁤ to solidify its position as a key aviation hub in southeast Asia. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said the move follows the U.S. Federal Aviation Management (FAA) restoring Thailand’s aviation safety rating to Category 1⁣ in April.

Direct⁢ Thailand-United States flights ceased in 2015 after the FAA downgraded Thailand’s safety rating. Thai Airways International previously offered routes from Bangkok to Los Angeles and New York.

suriya has directed the Civil⁤ Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to work‍ with the FAA and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to facilitate the launch of these direct air routes. He believes new routes will stimulate economic growth, trade, investment, and tourism, while also boosting global confidence in Thailand’s aviation standards.

“this policy is part of a broader effort to upgrade the Thai⁣ aviation industry and stimulate national economic growth. It reflects our readiness to re-enter the⁢ global stage,” Suriya said.

As part of the preparations, the CAAT is exploring⁤ implementing⁣ a pre-clearance immigration⁤ system at Thai airports.This would allow travelers bound for the U.S.to complete immigration checks in Thailand, ⁤streamlining their arrival process in the United States.

While Thai Airways has studied the possibility of resuming non-stop U.S. routes,⁤ it concluded that high fuel costs, aircraft limitations, and low cargo revenue make them economically unviable.Instead, the ⁤airline intends to focus on strengthening codeshare agreements with partners like united and Delta.

The CAAT has initiated discussions with major‍ U.S. airports to assess the feasibility of launching direct routes. Together, talks are underway with United Airlines, ⁣wich⁤ has‍ expressed interest in establishing a direct⁢ Bangkok–Los⁢ Angeles service. Negotiations are also in progress regarding foreign air operator permissions ‍for U.S. carriers seeking to operate in the Thai market, ⁤Suriya said.

Thailand is also preparing for an aviation safety oversight audit from the International civil Aviation Association (ICAO) in late August. The audit’s outcome will influence Thailand’s Effective Implementation Score, a global ⁣benchmark for aviation safety performance.

What’s next

Thailand will continue discussions with U.S. ‍authorities and airlines, aiming to launch direct Thailand-United States flights and‍ enhance its aviation infrastructure.