Summary: Thai Airways has published its Summer 2026 schedule (March 29–October 24, 2026), restoring long-haul services including Bangkok–Amsterdam and Bangkok–Auckland, increasing frequencies to Australia and Europe, expanding routes across China and India, and boosting key domestic links with support from CAAT and TAT.

Thai Airways' Summer 2026 flight schedule, covering March 29 to October 24, 2026, outlines a major network rebuild aimed at reconnecting Thailand with key global markets. The announcement details resumed long-haul routes, frequency increases to western hubs, expanded services into China and India, and a strengthened domestic programme.

Resumption of Major Long-Haul Links

A headline move in the new plan is the return of several long-dormant international services. Notably, Thai Airways will restart nonstop flights between Bangkok and Amsterdam on July 1, 2026, operating daily with the Airbus A350-900. The airline is also bringing back a direct Bangkok–Auckland link in late summer 2026, expected to commence in July or August.

  • Bangkok – Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands: Resumes July 1, 2026 with daily A350-900 service
  • Bangkok – Auckland (AKL), New Zealand: Non-stop service returning in July/August 2026
  • Bangkok – Perth (PER), Australia: Restored to daily frequency

Increased Frequencies to Western Hubs

The carrier will lift frequencies on several major long-haul sectors to meet rising demand. London and Frankfurt will each see twice-daily services, while Sydney and Melbourne will also be served twice daily. Several European capitals — including Paris, Zurich, Munich, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Istanbul — will continue daily connections to Bangkok.

Regional Expansion: China, India and Southeast Asia

Thai Airways is boosting its presence across Asia using newly delivered Airbus A321neo aircraft for short- and medium-haul sectors. The airline will double frequencies to Beijing and Guangzhou — providing a combined 14 weekly flights — and resume services to Changsha and Chongqing. A new nonstop route to Shenzhen is being added to capture business travel tied to southern China's tech economy.

  • China: Increased frequencies to Beijing and Guangzhou (14 weekly flights total); resumption to Changsha and Chongqing; new service to Shenzhen
  • India: More flights to Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM) supported by A321neo aircraft
  • Southeast Asia: Bangkok–Singapore (SIN) moved to daily A321neo service; Bangkok–Vientiane (VTE) upgraded to A321neo
Thai Airways A350 at Bangkok airport illustrating expanded long-haul services including Amsterdam and Auckland
Thai Airways is restoring and increasing international routes for Summer 2026 to boost connectivity.

Domestic Network and Integration with Thai Smile

On the home front, Thai Airways is taking direct control of several domestic services previously operated by regional subsidiary Thai Smile. The move is intended to raise frequencies on routes important to international transfer traffic and leisure travel.

  • Bangkok – Phuket (HKT): Up to 9 daily flights during peak periods using a mix of wide- and narrow-body aircraft
  • Bangkok – Chiang Mai (CNX): Approximately 35 flights per week
  • Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Udon Thani: Three daily flights each
  • Krabi and Ubon Ratchathani: Two daily flights each

Government Backing and Strategic Rationale

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has allocated more than 308,000 flight slots for the Summer 2026 season, as authorities label 2026 the 'peak recovery year' for Thai aviation. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has actively encouraged the reopening of key routes such as Amsterdam and Perth to attract high-spending visitors and accelerate tourism recovery.

What This Means for Travelers

For passengers, the expanded Summer 2026 schedule translates into more direct options between Thailand and Europe, Oceania and major Asian markets, improved transfer choices, and greater frequency on popular domestic routes. The return of long-haul services may simplify itineraries for leisure and business travelers, while added regional capacity supports growing demand from China and India.

So what? Travelers should expect increased seat availability and route choices to and from Bangkok from July 2026, making planning for summer and post-summer trips easier. The schedule also signals Thailand's broader effort to re-establish itself as a major aviation and tourism hub following the pandemic, with potential benefits for connectivity, tourism services and business links.