Travellers heading to India and other parts of Asia will soon have another convenient option, with Thai Airways confirming it will resume daily non-stop flights between Auckland and Bangkok in the second half of 2026.
According to a report by Stuff, the return of the route restores a long-standing connection between New Zealand and Southeast Asia and reopens an important transit pathway for passengers travelling onward to destinations such as India, Europe and the United Kingdom.
Thai Airways had operated services to Auckland for more than three decades before suspending flights in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, travellers have relied largely on connecting flights through Australia or other Asian hubs.
Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui described the airline’s return as an important step in rebuilding international travel connections.
“Thailand continues to be one of Kiwi travellers’ most loved destinations,” she said, Stuff has quoted.
The service will connect through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, a major aviation hub offering extensive onward connections across Asia, including India, as well as Europe.
Thai Airways chief commercial officer Kittiphong Sansomboon said the reinstated route forms part of the airline’s broader long-haul expansion strategy and will strengthen Bangkok’s role as a regional gateway.
Tourism figures show strong demand between the two countries. According to Tourism New Zealand, about 48,000 New Zealanders visited Thailand in the year ending November 2025, close to pre-pandemic levels, while around 20,000 Thai visitors travelled to New Zealand during the same period, as reported by Stuff.
Flight Centre general manager Heidi Walker said travellers were increasingly seeking meaningful and affordable experiences in Thailand beyond traditional tourist hotspots.
Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy said the resumed flights would also support passenger growth from connecting markets, particularly India and the United Kingdom, with Bangkok serving as a key transit point, Stuff has reported..
Auckland Airport estimates the direct service could generate more than $250 million annually in visitor spending for New Zealand.
Thai Airways has not yet confirmed the exact start date, aircraft type or ticketing details for the route.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment