Wheels up: Non-stop Auckland-Bangkok flights return to the radar

Travellers will soon have non-stop flights between Auckland and Bangkok, with Thai Airways planning to relaunch direct daily services in the second half of 2026.

Thai Airways announcement of a planned resumption of services this year will restore a long-standing long-haul connection between New Zealand and Thailand. Thai Airways served Auckland for more than 30 years before the pandemic, connecting travellers into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, one of Asia’s major aviation hubs.

Chief Executive Officer Carrie Hurihanganui said Auckland Airport was delighted to welcome the return of Thai Airways – an important milestone in rebuild of long-haul connectivity to and from New Zealand following 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. This route adds real value for travellers between both countries while strengthening our connections into Asia’s wider aviation network.”

Mr Kittiphong Sansomboon, Chief Commercial Officer of Thai Airways said: “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."

New Zealand’s Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said: “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."

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy said: “Tourism New Zea 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.”

Beyond point-to-point travel, Bangkok plays a key role as a gateway into Southeast Asia, North Asia, the South Asian subcontinent, the United Kingdom and Europe, offering travellers a wide range of onward connections through Thai Airways’ extensive network.

In 2019, the Auckland–Bangkok route carried close to 50,000 visitors to New Zealand from a range of markets including Thailand, India and Europe. More recently, demand for travel between New Zealand and Thailand has been growing strongly, 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 to New Zealand, with 20,000 Thais visiting New Zealand for the year ending November 2025. The recommencement of daily flights operated by Thai Airways from Bangkok to Auckland will carry new high-value visitors to New Zealand from not only Thailand but also from India and other Asian nations, the United Kingdom and Europe.

Auckland Airport forecasts that the incremental visitors onboard this flight will contribute significant annual visitor spend growth within New Zealand of more than $250 million.

As members of the RCEP free trade agreement, Thailand and New Zealand will also benefit from direct Bangkok-Auckland air services, strengthening air freight connectivity and supporting further growth in 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, and is also a key destination for time-sensitive exports, such as respiratory equipment. New Zealand also relies on important imports from Thailand, including electrical machines, telecommunication equipment and vehicle parts, further underlining the value of direct air connectivity between the two countries.

Thai Airways will share further details on the service launch soon, including flight start date, aircraft type and booking information.