Direct flights between Thailand and the United States are set to resume in February 2024, pending the anticipated upgrade of Thailand’s aviation safety rating to Category 1 by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced the development following an FAA inspection conducted from November 11 to 15. The review praised the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) for significant improvements in aviation safety standards, despite a few minor issues that are not expected to delay the upgrade.
Restoring Category 1 Status
Thailand’s aviation safety was downgraded to Category 2 in December 2015, primarily due to insufficient oversight and conflicts of interest in licensing procedures. Since then, CAAT has implemented reforms to address these deficiencies, earning commendation from Transport Permanent Secretary Chayatan Phromsorn for its diligent efforts.
Achieving Category 1 status indicates compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and will allow Thai airlines to operate direct routes to the U.S. once again. Thailand first attained Category 1 status in 1997 but lost it in 2015.
Boost for International Connectivity
The expected upgrade is seen as a pivotal milestone for Thailand’s aviation sector, enhancing its international connectivity and fostering industry growth. It signals a renewed capacity to expand aviation operations with the U.S., strengthening ties between the two countries and providing new opportunities for travelers and businesses alike.
