Key Takeaways
• FAA upgraded Thailand to Category 1 safety status on April 21, 2025.
• THAI Airways will not resume direct US flights, focusing on codeshare partnerships.
• United Airlines plans new flights from LA and SF to Bangkok via Hong Kong in October 2025.
In a major shift for Thailand’s aviation industry, THAI Airways has announced it will not resume direct flights to the United States 🇺🇸, even after Thailand regained the top safety rating—Category 1—from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in April 2025. Instead, the airline is focusing on building partnerships with U.S.-based carriers to support tourism and business travel between the two countries. This decision marks a new chapter for both THAI Airways and the broader Thai aviation sector, which has worked for nearly a decade to regain its standing with U.S. regulators.
FAA Upgrade: What It Means for Thailand and THAI Airways
On April 21, 2025, the FAA officially upgraded Thailand’s aviation safety rating from Category 2 to Category 1. This upgrade means Thailand now meets all international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The change followed a detailed review by the FAA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), which included a final assessment in March 2025. The FAA’s decision was published on its official website the same day.
Category 1 status is important because:
– It allows Thai airlines to start new flights to the United States 🇺🇸 or expand existing services.
– It signals to other countries that Thailand’s aviation system is safe and reliable.
– It opens the door for more business and tourism between Thailand and the United States 🇺🇸.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit called the upgrade “good news for the aviation industry of Thailand,” highlighting its importance for airlines, tourism, and the country’s global reputation.
THAI Airways: Why No Direct Flights to the U.S.?
Despite the FAA upgrade, THAI Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri confirmed on June 1, 2025, that the airline will not bring back direct flights to major U.S. cities like Los Angeles or New York. This is a big change from the past, when THAI Airways operated direct flights to Los Angeles until 2012 and one-stop flights via Seoul until 2015.
Key Reasons Behind the Decision
THAI Airways explained several reasons for not resuming direct flights:
- High Fuel Costs: Ultra-long-haul flights, such as those from Bangkok to the United States 🇺🇸, require a lot of fuel. With current fuel prices, these routes are not profitable.
- Operational Challenges: Running direct flights over such long distances is complex and expensive. It requires special aircraft, more crew, and higher maintenance costs.
- Better Use of Partnerships: By working with U.S.-based airlines, THAI Airways can offer more choices to passengers without the high costs of direct flights. These partnerships allow travelers to book tickets from Thailand to the United States 🇺🇸 with a single connection, often through major hubs in Asia or the Middle East.
Instead of direct flights, THAI Airways is strengthening its codeshare agreements with several U.S. airlines. Codeshare agreements let airlines share flights, so passengers can book a single ticket even if they fly on more than one airline. This approach helps THAI Airways keep a strong presence in the U.S. market while avoiding the risks and costs of direct service.
The FAA Upgrade: How Did Thailand Achieve It?
Thailand’s journey back to Category 1 status was long and required major changes. In 2015, the FAA downgraded Thailand to Category 2 after finding 36 safety problems. This downgrade meant Thai airlines could not start new flights to the United States 🇺🇸 or expand existing ones. It also hurt the country’s reputation in the global aviation community.
To regain Category 1, Thailand had to:
- Fix All Safety Issues: The CAAT worked closely with the FAA and ICAO to address every problem. This included updating rules, improving training, and investing in better oversight.
- Undergo Regular Reviews: The FAA and ICAO visited Thailand several times to check progress. The final review took place in November 2024, with follow-up meetings in March 2025.
- Show Ongoing Commitment: Thailand had to prove it could keep up with international safety standards, not just meet them once.
The FAA’s upgrade is a sign that Thailand’s aviation system is now safe and well-managed. The full details of the FAA’s safety ratings and what they mean can be found on the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Program page.
What Does This Mean for Travelers and the Tourism Industry?
The FAA upgrade and THAI Airways’ new strategy have several effects on travelers, the tourism industry, and the Thai economy.
For Travelers
- More Choices, But No Direct Flights: Passengers traveling between Thailand and the United States 🇺🇸 will still need to connect through another city, such as Tokyo, Seoul, or Hong Kong. However, codeshare agreements make booking easier and often allow for smoother transfers and baggage handling.
- Potential for New Routes: Other airlines, such as United Airlines, have announced plans to start flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Bangkok via Hong Kong, beginning in October 2025. The U.S. Department of Transportation has already approved the Los Angeles to Bangkok route.
- Improved Safety and Confidence: The FAA’s Category 1 rating reassures travelers that Thai airlines meet top international safety standards.
For the Tourism Industry
- Boost to U.S. Tourism: The United States 🇺🇸 is a key market for Thai tourism. In 2024, over 1 million American tourists visited Thailand, making them one of the top five groups of international visitors. American tourists also spend more on average than many other nationalities.
- New Marketing Campaigns: The Tourism Authority of Thailand has restarted marketing efforts in major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, to attract more American visitors.
- Focus on High-Value Tourists: Thailand is shifting its tourism strategy to attract visitors who spend more and stay longer, rather than just increasing the total number of tourists.
For Thai Aviation Workers
- New Job Opportunities: With the FAA upgrade, Thai pilots and aviation professionals can now apply for jobs with international airlines, including those based in the United States 🇺🇸 and other countries that follow FAA ratings.
- Expanded Training and Experience: Thai aviation schools and training centers may see more demand as the industry grows and more routes become possible.
The Role of Partnerships: How THAI Airways Stays Competitive
THAI Airways’ decision to focus on partnerships instead of direct flights is part of a larger trend in the airline industry. Many airlines are choosing to work together rather than compete head-to-head on expensive long-haul routes.
Benefits of this approach include:
- Lower Costs: By sharing flights with partner airlines, THAI Airways avoids the high costs of running its own direct flights.
- More Destinations: Passengers can reach more cities in the United States 🇺🇸 and beyond, thanks to the networks of partner airlines.
- Better Service: Codeshare agreements often mean smoother connections, shared frequent flyer benefits, and coordinated schedules.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this strategy is seen as a smart move in today’s airline industry, where high fuel prices and changing travel patterns make direct long-haul flights less attractive for many carriers.
Other Airlines: New Players in the U.S.-Thailand Market
While THAI Airways is stepping back from direct flights, other airlines are moving in to fill the gap:
- United Airlines: Plans to start flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Bangkok via Hong Kong in October 2025.
- Other Thai Carriers: Some may focus on cargo flights, charter services, or special routes for business and medical travelers.
These new services could give travelers more options and help keep airfares competitive.
What’s Next for Thailand’s Aviation Sector?
The FAA upgrade is just the beginning of a new era for Thai aviation. Several important developments are on the horizon:
- Full Implementation in October 2025: The FAA’s Category 1 status will be fully in effect, allowing more airlines to plan new routes and services.
- ICAO Audit in August-September 2025: The International Civil Aviation Organization will review Thailand’s safety oversight program to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Review of ‘Open Sky’ Agreements: The CAAT is working with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to support the expansion of flights between the two countries.
- Possible Return of Direct Flights: THAI Airways’ CEO has said the airline may reconsider direct flights if fuel prices drop, new aircraft become available, or demand increases sharply.
Expert Opinions: A Calculated Pivot
Aviation experts see THAI Airways’ move as a practical response to today’s market conditions. Instead of risking losses on expensive direct flights, the airline is choosing a safer path by working with partners. This approach is likely to keep THAI Airways financially stable while still serving travelers between Thailand and the United States 🇺🇸.
Some experts believe this strategy could become a model for other airlines facing similar challenges. In a world where travel patterns are changing and costs are rising, partnerships may offer more stability than direct competition.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Immigrants and International Travelers
- Easier Booking: Codeshare agreements make it simpler to book flights between Thailand and the United States 🇺🇸, even without direct service.
- More Job Opportunities: Thai aviation professionals can now seek work with U.S. and other international airlines, thanks to the FAA upgrade.
- Greater Confidence: The improved safety rating reassures travelers and their families about flying Thai airlines.
For Employers and the Business Community
- Reliable Air Links: Even without direct flights, strong partnerships ensure continued business travel and cargo movement between Thailand and the United States 🇺🇸.
- Potential for Growth: As the aviation sector expands, more business opportunities may arise in tourism, logistics, and related industries.
For the Thai Government and Regulators
- Global Recognition: The FAA upgrade boosts Thailand’s reputation as a safe and reliable aviation hub.
- Ongoing Responsibility: Maintaining Category 1 status will require continued investment in safety, training, and oversight.
Practical Guidance for Travelers
If you’re planning to travel between Thailand and the United States 🇺🇸:
- Check for Codeshare Flights: Look for flights operated by THAI Airways in partnership with U.S. airlines. These often offer the most convenient connections.
- Monitor New Routes: Keep an eye out for new services from airlines like United Airlines, which may offer more choices in the coming months.
- Review Safety Information: For the latest updates on airline safety ratings, visit the FAA’s IASA Program page.
Conclusion: A New Era for Thai-U.S. Air Travel
Thailand’s return to FAA Category 1 status is a major achievement, opening new doors for the country’s airlines, tourism sector, and aviation professionals. While THAI Airways has chosen not to resume direct flights to the United States 🇺🇸 for now, its focus on partnerships ensures that travelers still have many options. The move reflects a careful balance between economic reality and the need to stay connected in a changing world.
As the aviation landscape continues to evolve, travelers, businesses, and workers can expect more choices, better safety, and new opportunities. Whether you’re planning a trip, looking for work in aviation, or simply interested in the future of air travel, Thailand’s FAA upgrade and THAI Airways’ strategic shift are developments worth watching closely.
Learn Today
FAA → U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, regulates civil aviation safety and assigns international safety ratings.
Category 1 → An FAA safety rating indicating full compliance with international aviation safety standards.
Codeshare Agreement → An arrangement where two or more airlines share the same flight, improving connectivity for passengers.
ICAO → International Civil Aviation Organization, sets global standards for aviation safety and security.
Ultra-Long-Haul Flight → A flight covering extremely long distances, typically over 8,000 kilometers requiring special aircraft and planning.
This Article in a Nutshell
THAI Airways won’t resume direct U.S. flights despite Thailand’s FAA Category 1 upgrade. Instead, it’s relying on U.S. airline partnerships to improve connectivity and tourism, while United Airlines introduces new routes enhancing travel options between both countries.
— By VisaVerge.com
