British Airways has officially returned to Bangkok, landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport after a hiatus of over four years.
The inaugural flight departed from London Gatwick at 21:15 on October 28, touching down in Bangkok the following day at 16:10.
Passengers on this first flight were greeted with traditional dancers, flower garlands, and gifts, marking a warm welcome for the long-awaited return.
Initially, British Airways will operate three weekly flights on this route, with plans to increase to five weekly flights in January and February 2025, and four weekly flights in March. Travelers can choose from three cabin options: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and Club World (business class), with return fares starting at £718.
Expanding its connections from Bangkok, British Airways has strengthened its codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways, providing seamless access to popular destinations across Southeast Asia. Passengers can now connect from Bangkok to the idyllic beaches of Koh Samui and Phuket, the historic temples of Chiang Mai, or further to Cambodia’s bustling Phnom Penh and cultural gem Siem Reap.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the resumed route, saying, “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.” Chernoff highlighted Bangkok’s appeal as both a vibrant city destination and a gateway to Southeast Asia’s stunning landscapes and cultural sites.
Ms. Sadudee Sangnil, Director of UK, Ireland & South Africa for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), celebrated British Airways’ return just in time for peak season. She noted, “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.” Sangnil also encouraged visitors to explore beyond popular hubs, mentioning lesser-known communities, national parks, and Chiang Mai, which has rebounded quickly from recent floods.
British Airways’ re-entry to Bangkok is part of a broader expansion of its global routes. In 2025, the airline will resume flights to Kuala Lumpur, with daily service from London Heathrow starting on April 1. British Airways will also launch new flights to Tromsø, Norway, and Ivalo, Lapland next month, underscoring its commitment to offering diverse destinations worldwide.
