Travellers will soon be able to fly non-stop between Auckland and Bangkok, with Thai Airways planning to relaunch daily direct services in the second half of 2026.
The airline’s planned return will restore a long-running long-haul link between New Zealand and Thailand. Thai Airways served Auckland for more than 30 years before the pandemic, connecting travellers into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, one of Asia’s major aviation hubs.
Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said the airport welcomed the return of Thai Airways as part of the rebuild of long-haul connectivity after COVID-19.
“Thailand continues to be one of Kiwi travellers most loved destinations, and a non-stop Auckland-Bangkok service brings that experience closer again. This route adds real value for travellers between both countries while strengthening our connections into Asia’s wider aviation network,” she said.
Thai Airways chief commercial officer Kittiphong Sansomboon said the airline plans to resume daily Auckland–Bangkok services as part of its long-haul network expansion.
“This year, Thai Airways will resume daily Auckland–Bangkok services as a key long-haul network expansion, strategically strengthening Bangkok’s position as a major Southeast Asian hub and enhancing seamless connectivity linking Europe, Asia, and New Zealand via Thailand,” he said.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said new international routes play an important role in tourism and economic growth.
“It’s always fantastic to welcome new routes into New Zealand. Increased airline connectivity is vital for economic growth and international tourism. I want to congratulate Thai Airways for strengthening their ties with New Zealand,” she said.
Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy said the organisation has seen growing interest in New Zealand from Thai travellers.
“Tourism New Zealand has seen New Zealand growing in appeal amongst Thai travellers and invests in attracting visitors from Thailand, so the relaunch of this service is very welcome. We will continue to work with the airline and trade partners to further grow the Thailand market and to give Thai travellers the encouragement to make the most of these direct services. The flights will also bolster efforts to grow key markets in India and the UK with more connections via Bangkok to Aotearoa New Zealand,” he said.
Beyond point-to-point travel, Bangkok serves as a key gateway into Southeast Asia, North Asia, the South Asian subcontinent, the United Kingdom and Europe, offering a wide range of onward connections through Thai Airways’ network.
In 2019, the Auckland–Bangkok route carried close to 50,000 visitors to New Zealand from markets including Thailand, India and Europe. More recently, demand has continued to recover, with around 48,000 New Zealanders visiting Thailand in the year ending November 2025, up 7 per cent year-on-year and back to pre-pandemic levels.
Thailand is already an important inbound visitor market for New Zealand, with 20,000 Thais visiting in the year ending November 2025. Auckland Airport forecasts the resumed daily flights will bring additional visitors not only from Thailand, but also from India, other Asian nations, the United Kingdom and Europe, contributing more than $250 million a year in visitor spend.
The route is also expected to strengthen air freight links. As members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Thailand and New Zealand benefit from direct air services, supporting bilateral air trade, which totalled $363.9 million in the year ending December 2025.
Thailand is New Zealand’s largest market for air-freighted avocados, with 1,280 tonnes exported via Auckland in 2025, up 29 per cent year-on-year. It is also a key destination for time-sensitive exports such as respiratory equipment. New Zealand imports a range of goods from Thailand, including electrical machinery, telecommunications equipment and vehicle parts.
Thai Airways said further details on the service, including the start date, aircraft type and booking information, will be announced soon.
