Thai Airways Shelves US Direct Flights, Focuses on Airline Partnerships

Thai Airways International (THAI) has opted against resuming direct flights to the US, despite Thailand’s aviation safety rating being upgraded to Category 1 by the FAA, allowing such operations. A feasibility study deemed long-haul routes to cities like Los Angeles and New York economically unviable due to high fuel costs, reduced passenger capacity, and limited cargo payload. Past US operations consistently incurred losses. Instead, THAI will focus on attracting American tourists through partnerships with six US airlines, maintaining a presence in the market, which remains promising, with 30% of its revenue from European travelers.

Thai Airways