British Airways Returns to Bangkok After Four-Year Hiatus

British Airways has made a triumphant return to Bangkok, touching down at Suvarnabhumi Airport this week after a four-year hiatus. The inaugural flight departed from London Gatwick at 21:15 local time on Monday, 28 October and landed in Bangkok the following day at 16:10 local time. Passengers on this first flight were warmly welcomed with traditional dancers, flower garlands, and local gifts, marking a festive reintroduction to the Thai capital.

A Highly Anticipated Route

British Airways last flew to Bangkok in 2020, and it announced its return earlier this year. Initially, flights will operate three times per week, with plans to increase to five times per week in January and February 2025 and four times per week in March 2025. Passengers can choose from three cabin classes: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and Club World (business class).

Expanded Connectivity with Bangkok Airways

In addition to resuming flights to Bangkok, British Airways has expanded its codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways. This partnership allows customers to seamlessly connect to five popular holiday destinations from Bangkok, including the turquoise waters of Koh Samui and Phuket, the picturesque mountain views of Chiang Mai, and the bustling Cambodian cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Statements from Key Figures

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, expressed excitement about the route’s restart: “We know that Bangkok has been a highly anticipated route restart for our customers, so we are thrilled to see it firmly back on our global route map. Not only does Bangkok have so much to offer our leisure customers, but it is also a gateway to some of the most beautiful parts of Southeast Asia, and we are proud to make these more accessible to the UK market.”

Ms. Sadudee Sangnil, Director of UK, Ireland & South Africa, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), welcomed the airline’s return: “It is great to welcome British Airways back to Thailand, and just in time for the peak season. With so much to experience across Thailand, the addition of these flights means we can welcome more people seeking winter sun to experience Thailand’s warmth, beauty, and culture. Connectivity to popular hubs such as Phuket is fantastic, but we also welcome visitors to explore beyond and discover local communities, national parks, and lesser-known beaches. Chiang Mai, which has quickly recovered from recent floods, is also welcoming travellers again.”

Future Expansions

British Airways has also confirmed that it will resume daily flights to Kuala Lumpur on 1 April 2025, from London Heathrow. Additionally, the airline will launch new flights to Tromsø, Norway, from London Heathrow and Ivalo, Lapland, from London Gatwick next month. With nearly 200 destinations in over 60 countries, British Airways continues to expand its global network, offering passengers more travel options and destinations.

The return to Bangkok is a significant milestone for British Airways. It reaffirms its commitment to connecting the UK with key destinations worldwide and enhancing its customers’ travel experiences.