Direct flights between Thailand and the United States will resume later this month after a decade-long suspension prompted by aviation safety concerns.
United Airlines announced it will launch daily services between Bangkok and Los Angeles starting October 25.
The move makes United the first airline from either country to restore a direct connection since 2015, when flights were halted following a downgrade of Thailand’s aviation safety rating by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
In 2015, the FAA lowered Thailand’s safety status from Category 1 to Category 2, effectively barring Thai airlines from operating direct flights to the U.S.
That restriction was lifted in April this year, when the regulator reinstated Thailand to the top category, paving the way for services to return.
United confirmed that the new route will include a transit stop in Hong Kong, with operations handled by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The service will provide Thai travelers with a direct link to the U.S. West Coast and offer American visitors easier access to Thailand, a key destination for tourism and business.
Meanwhile, Thai Airways International has yet to re-enter the U.S. market. The national carrier previously served American cities but has avoided relaunching direct services, citing strong competition on trans-Pacific routes.
Former transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit had earlier expressed interest in seeing Thai Airways resume flights to the U.S., saying it would strengthen Suvarnabhumi Airport’s position as a major global hub.
However, Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri has made clear that U.S. routes are not currently part of the airline’s expansion plans.
