Thailand Pushes Direct Bangkok-Auckland Route Before 2028

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitivattananon announced during a visit to NZAero at Ardmore Airport in Auckland on August 21, 2025, that Thailand is pushing to reopen the direct Bangkok-Auckland route sooner than the original 2028 timeline previously set by Thai Airways. The route was discussed between Thai and New Zealand leaders as a way to improve travel convenience and strengthen business, tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties—key elements in deepening bilateral cooperation.

Ekniti has instructed Lavorn Sangsomnit, Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary and Thai Airways chairman, to accelerate the initiative. The main constraint is ensuring Thai Airways has sufficient aircraft, particularly as it receives new planes on order. The government is already coordinating with Auckland Airport authorities to secure flight slots and allocate capacity in advance, so operations can begin smoothly once the airline is ready.

Beyond the direct route, Ekniti said there is potential for deeper commercial cooperation. Both Thai Airways and Air New Zealand are Star Alliance members, making a code-share agreement possible to improve passenger connections. He noted that New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon previously served as Air New Zealand's chief executive, giving him strong insight into aviation economics and the route's potential.

"We see more opportunity in code-share cooperation than competition, as it benefits both sides and is a win-win," Ekniti said. "It will make travel, trade, investment, and tourism between Thailand and New Zealand more convenient."

Ekniti added that an earlier Bangkok-Auckland service would significantly support economic cooperation as both countries deepen relations and open new collaborative areas in tourism, agriculture, food, clean energy, and investment.