Good news: Direct Thailand-US flights to resume

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has upgraded Thailand's aviation safety to Category 1, allowing the resumption of direct flights.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit said on Tuesday, April 22, that the FAA announced on its website that it had upgraded Thailand from Category 2 to Category 1.

Category 1 countries are considered to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards, while Category 2 countries do not.

“Thailand was classified as category 2 in 2015…

This is good news for the Thai aviation industry...,” he said.

What this will change

Travelers queue at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Photo: Somchai Poomlard/Bangkok Post

“This reclassification means that Thai airlines can now resume or expand their routes between Thailand and the United States.

Thai travelers will thus benefit from a greater choice of routes, schedules and airfares.

Thai pilots will also have more job opportunities with international airlines, which previously turned them away due to Thailand's Category 2 classification.

International tourists will also be able to have more confidence in the Thai aviation industry and will have more options to travel to Thailand, which is good for tourism,” said Mr. Suriya.

Thailand has responded to security concerns

Don Mueang Airport. Photo: AOT

The minister explained that the FAA had reviewed Thai aviation standards with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand last November and confirmed, during exchanges on March 10 and 12, that Thailand had addressed safety concerns.

Reports published at the time of Thailand's downgrade in 2015 noted deficiencies in the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand's ability to enforce technical and safety regulations.

This reclassification marks an important step for Thai aviation, which returns to the select group of countries deemed to comply with the highest international standards.

It remains to be seen which Thai airlines will relaunch or open direct routes to the United States.

See also:

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Source: Bangkok Post