Direct flights between Auckland and Bangkok to resume

New Zealanders will soon be able to fly directly to Thailand again, with Thai Airways planning to relaunch daily non-stop services between Auckland and Bangkok later this year.

The route, which was paused during the Covid-19 pandemic, carried close to 50,000 visitors to New Zealand in 2019 from markets including Thailand, India and Europe.

Demand had since rebounded, with 48,000 New Zealanders travelling to Thailand in the year ending November 2025 — up 7% year-on-year and back to pre-pandemic levels.

Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said the airport was delighted to welcome the return of the airline after more than three decades of operations before the pandemic.

"Thailand continues to be one of Kiwi travellers’ most loved destinations, and a non-stop Auckland–Bangkok service brings that experience closer again," she said.

"This route adds real value for travellers between both countries while strengthening our connections into Asia’s wider aviation network."

Thai Airways chief commercial officer Kittiphong Sansomboon said the service was a key long-haul expansion, positioning Bangkok as a major Southeast Asian hub and improving connections between Europe, Asia and New Zealand.

Thailand was already an important inbound visitor market, with around 20,000 Thai travellers visiting New Zealand in the year ending November 2025.

Auckland Airport forecast the continuation of daily services would contribute more than $250 million a year in additional visitor spending.

Beyond tourism, the route was also expected to strengthen trade and air freight links between the two countries. Bilateral air trade totalled $363.9 million in the year ending December 2025.

Thai Airways was expected to release further details on the service launch, including flight start date, aircraft type and booking information, in the coming months.