Thailand Celebrates Five New Norse Atlantic Airways Routes for Winter 2025/2026

Thailand

Expanded air links from the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Norway strengthen Thailand’s connectivity to Bangkok and Phuket

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is celebrating the launch of five new direct routes by Norse Atlantic Airways, enhancing long-haul access from the UK and Northern Europe to Bangkok and Phuket for the 2025/2026 winter season. The expansion supports the Thai government’s “Big Impact, Act Fast” initiative to boost international arrivals and diversify tourism markets.

Strengthening long-haul access from Europe

Founded in 2021, Norse Atlantic Airways operates affordable long-haul flights with a fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Its new routes include:

· London Gatwick–Bangkok, starting 26 October 2025 with three to five weekly flights.

· Manchester–Bangkok, beginning 26 November 2025 with weekly service through March 2026 – making Manchester the only UK airport outside London with direct flights to Bangkok.

· Stockholm–Bangkok, launched 22 October 2025, currently twice weekly and increasing to four flights per week in December.

· Stockholm–Phuket, starting 4 December 2025 with weekly service.

· Oslo–Phuket, commencing 8 December 2025, also operating weekly.

· Each flight will offer 338 seats, combining comfort with affordability for leisure and business travelers.

Growing European confidence in Thailand

“The addition of these new Norse Atlantic Airways routes reflects growing confidence in Thailand as a premier long-haul destination,” said Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, America, Middle East, and Africa. “They provide travellers from the UK and Northern Europe with greater convenience and affordability while supporting TAT’s strategy to diversify source markets and extend visitor stays across the country.”

The inaugural Stockholm–Bangkok flight (NO191) arrived today at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where it was welcomed by TAT executives alongside Mr. Bård Nordhagen, Chief Commercial Officer of Norse Atlantic Airways.

Expanding global air connectivity

Thailand’s skies are busier than ever this winter. Arkia Israeli Airlines will start twice-weekly Tel Aviv–Bangkok flights on 26 November, and Air France will launch three weekly Paris–Phuket services on 28 November 2025. Earlier this month, Etihad Airways began flying between Abu Dhabi and Krabi, and United Airlines will inaugurate its Los Angeles–Bangkok route on 26 October 2025, restoring direct air service between Thailand and the United States after more than a decade.

Strong performance from the UK and Sweden

Between January and September 2025, Thailand welcomed 757,960 visitors from the UK (up 13.7% year-on-year) and 145,188 visitors from Sweden to mid-October (up 8.6%). Swedish travellers spend an average of 65,000 Baht per trip and stay about 20 days, generating over 14.6 billion Baht in revenue. Forward bookings from the UK are up 10% for late 2025 and 13% for early 2026, reflecting continued demand for Thailand’s warm climate, safety, and sustainable travel experiences.

With these new routes and record visitor growth, Thailand continues to strengthen its position as a leading long-haul destination connecting Asia and Europe through world-class accessibility and hospitality.