British Airways Returns to Bangkok After 4 Years
British Airways has resumed direct flights to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) after a four-year pause. The first flight from London-Gatwick (LGW) touched down on October 29, 2024, marking the airline’s official return to Thailand’s capital since suspending services in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The inaugural return flight, operated by a Boeing 777-200ER, left London-Gatwick at 22:00 on October 28, arriving in Bangkok at 15:55 local time, a few minutes ahead of schedule. Passengers were welcomed on arrival with traditional Thai dancers, flower garlands, and local souvenirs to celebrate the long-anticipated route relaunch.
Initially, British Airways will operate three weekly flights to Bangkok on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, with plans to increase frequency to five weekly flights in early 2025. The outbound flight (BA2231) departs Gatwick at 21:15, landing in Bangkok around 11 hours and 30 minutes later, while the return flight (BA2230) departs Bangkok on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 22:25, arriving back in London at 05:30 the next day.
The newly reinstated service features a choice of three cabin classes: business, premium economy, and economy. With a seating capacity of 332 passengers, the service adds nearly 1,000 extra seats weekly in each direction, increasing to 1,660 weekly by early 2025.
British Airways’ return to Bangkok also strengthens its codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways, enabling passengers to connect from Bangkok to popular Southeast Asian destinations. Customers can now conveniently reach Koh Samui, Phuket, and Chiang Mai in Thailand, as well as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, highlighted the significance of this route. “Bangkok has always been highly anticipated, and we’re thrilled to bring it back to our route network,” he said. “Not only is Bangkok a vibrant destination, but it also serves as a gateway to beautiful parts of Southeast Asia, which we are excited to make more accessible for our customers.”
Thai tourism officials also welcomed the route’s return. Sadudee Sangnil, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for the UK, Ireland, and South Africa, commented, “With British Airways’ return, we can welcome more travelers seeking winter sun to experience Thailand’s warmth, culture, and natural beauty.” Sangnil encouraged travelers to explore beyond major hubs, highlighting destinations such as Chiang Mai, which is recovering well after recent flooding, and lesser-known beaches and parks.
British Airways joins Thai Airways, which offers twice-daily flights from London-Heathrow (LHR) to Bangkok, and EVA Air, which connects Heathrow to Bangkok as part of its London to Taipei route. This added capacity offers UK travelers increased options for flights to Thailand.
While British Airways resumed flights to Bangkok, the airline postponed its planned return to Kuala Lumpur until April 2025 due to issues with the Rolls-Royce engines powering its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.
With Bangkok back on its map, British Airways now serves nearly 200 destinations worldwide across more than 60 countries. Operating from London-Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and London-City, British Airways continues to expand its global reach in partnership with various international carriers.
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