In a significant boost to Thailand’s tourism sector, British Airways has now resumed direct flights between London Gatwick and Bangkok. The inaugural flight BA2231 touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport earlier today, marking a further step in UK-Thailand air connectivity.
The route was originally suspended in early 2020 due to the global pandemic.
The new service brings Thailand-UK air seat capacity from November 2024 – March 2025 to 552 flights. It has supported 174,864 seats across various routes.
London-Bangkok Service Restoration
At a special welcome ceremony at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool expressed her enthusiasm for the new service.
“These direct flights strengthen Thailand’s position as a top travel destination,” she said. “The route not only boosts our tourism but also deepens UK-Thailand connections. It lets visitors explore our rich heritage and beautiful landscapes. We’re excited to welcome more British travelers to experience Thailand’s renowned hospitality.”
The Governor, accompanied by key figures from Thailand’s tourism industry and representatives from both public and private sectors, gathered to welcome passengers from this milestone flight, highlighting the significance of the route’s resumption.
British Airways Scheduling
Starting October 28, travelers can enjoy three weekly flights until March 30, 2025, with service potentially extending to April 26, 2025.
Responding to anticipated high demand, British Airways has announced plans to introduce up to two additional weekly flights during peak travel periods. This will provide further flexibility and options for tourists and business travelers alike.
The airline has deployed its Boeing 777-200 aircraft for this route, offering a comfortable travel experience across three distinct cabin classes. The aircraft features 332 seats, distributed among Club World (business class), Premium Economy, and Economy classes, catering to various travel preferences and budgets.
Codeshare with Bangkok Airways
Through its strategic partnership with Bangkok Airways, British Airways now offers seamless connections to popular Thai destinations including Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Ko Samui.
The codeshare agreement extends beyond Thailand’s borders. It also covers Cambodian cities Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, enabling convenient multi-destination travel throughout Southeast Asia.
The resumption comes after British Airways suspended its London Heathrow-Bangkok service in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That suspension had resulted in a significant reduction in Thailand’s monthly seat capacity, dropping by 7,700 seats. This represented an 18% decrease from 2019 levels.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead to the winter season of November 2024-March 2025, the combined flight schedule between the UK and Thailand will total 552 flights. It will see the offering of 174,864 seats across various routes.
These include services between London Heathrow-Bangkok, London Gatwick-Bangkok, and Manchester-Phuket, operated by a mix of carriers including Thai Airways International, EVA Air, and TUI UK (Charter). This highlights the strong air connectivity between the two countries.
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