Thailand Welcomes British Airways’ First Flight From London Gatwick

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has welcomed the resumption of direct flights by British Airways from London Gatwick to Bangkok. The inaugural flight, BA 2231, departed from London Gatwick and arrived in Bangkok at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Statement

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT governor, said “British Airways’ new direct services between London Gatwick and Bangkok reinforce the position of Thailand as a premier travel destination. This flight resumption boosts our tourism sector and strengthens connections between Thailand and the UK, offering travellers endless opportunities to experience our rich culture and stunning landscapes.”

The TAT Governor, along with Thai tourism executives from various public and private organisations, attended a welcome ceremony at Suvarnabhumi Airport to greet passengers on this landmark flight. Beginning 28 October, British Airways is scheduled to operate three weekly flights until 30 March 2025, with plans to extend service until 26 April 2025. During peak periods, a fourth and fifth weekly flight will also be introduced. Utilising its Boeing 777-200 aircraft, the flight will offer various classes, including Club World, Premium Economy, and Economy, accommodating a total of 332 seats.

British Airways will also provide codeshare services with Bangkok Airways, enabling seamless connections for passengers wishing to travel onwards to Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Ko Samui, as well as to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia. In early 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, British Airways suspended its direct flight between London Heathrow and Bangkok. This resulted in a reduction in seating capacity in Thailand—down by 7,700 seats per month, or 18% of its capacity in 2019.

With British Airways’ new direct services from London Gatwick to Bangkok, the upcoming flight schedule between the UK and Thailand for November 2024 to March 2025 amounts to 552 flights and 174,864 seats across various routes, including London Heathrow-Bangkok, London Gatwick-Bangkok, and Manchester-Phuket. Airlines serving these routes comprise Thai Airways International, EVA Air, and TUI UK (Charter).