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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 planned resumption 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, linking New Zealand directly with Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, one of Asia’s major aviation hubs.
Chief executive of Auckland Airport Carrie Hurihanganui says the return of the airline marks an important milestone in rebuilding long-haul connectivity.
“Thailand continues to be one of Kiwi travellers’ most loved destinations, and a non-stop Auckland–Bangkok service brings that experience closer again,” Carrie says. “This route adds real value for travellers between both countries while strengthening our connections into Asia’s wider aviation network.”
Chief commercial officer of Thai Airways Kittiphong Sansomboon says the route forms part of the airline’s long-haul network expansion.
“This year, Thai Airways will resume daily Auckland–Bangkok services as a key long-haul expansion, strengthening Bangkok’s position as a major Southeast Asian hub and enhancing connectivity linking Europe, Asia and New Zealand via Thailand,” Kittiphong says.
Tourism and hospitality minister Louise Upston says increased airline connectivity is critical for economic growth and international tourism.
“It’s always fantastic to welcome new routes into New Zealand,” Upston says. “I want to congratulate Thai Airways for strengthening their ties with New Zealand.”
Chief executive of Tourism New Zealand René de Monchy says the relaunch is also expected to support growth in multiple inbound markets.
“Tourism New Zealand has seen New Zealand grow in appeal among Thai travellers, and the relaunch of this service is very welcome,” René says. “The flights will also bolster efforts to grow key markets in India and the United Kingdom through connections via Bangkok.”
Beyond point-to-point travel, Bangkok plays a significant role as a gateway into Southeast Asia, North Asia, South Asia, the United Kingdom and Europe, offering extensive 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, travel demand has rebounded, 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 remains an important inbound market, with around 20,000 Thai visitors to New Zealand in the year ending November 2025. Auckland Airport forecasts the recommencement of daily services will generate incremental visitor spend of more than $250 million annually, driven by high-value travellers from Thailand, India, the United Kingdom and Europe.
Direct services are also expected to strengthen air freight connectivity. As members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), New Zealand and Thailand recorded bilateral air trade worth $363.9 million in the year ending December 2025. Thailand is New Zealand’s largest air-freight market for avocados, with 1,280 tonnes exported via Auckland in 2025, up 29 per cent year-on-year.
Thai Airways says further details, including flight start dates, aircraft type and booking information, will be announced closer to launch.
