Maldivian Airlines launches new route from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Xi’an Xianyang, boosting travel and tourism opportunities with one weekly flight

Published on February 26, 2026

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On 1 February 2026, Maldivian Airlines officially commenced a new international scheduled service between Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Thailand and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) in China. This marks one of Maldivian’s first direct services connecting Southeast Asia to Northwest China via Thailand. The new route is operated using an Airbus A320 aircraft, a narrow‑body jet widely used on medium‑haul international flights for its efficiency and passenger comfort.

The scheduled service from Bangkok to Xi’an is part of the airline’s expanded network strategy for 2026 and forms a link in a triangular routing pattern that also connects Malé (MLE), Bangkok and Xi’an. This new Bangkok–Xi’an service positions Maldivian alongside other carriers offering flights on this Asian corridor.

Airline Route Details and Aircraft Information

The Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Xi’an Xianyang service by Maldivian Airlines operates on a weekly basis, flown by an Airbus A320 aircraft. The A320 is a widely used narrow‑body jet with typical seating between 150 and 180 passengers, balancing operational efficiency with strong reliability.

This service has been scheduled to accommodate a wide range of travellers — from leisure tourists seeking experiences in China’s historical heartland of Xi’an, to business travellers needing reliable connectivity between Thailand and China’s inland markets.

Specifically, the flight number assigned on the outbound sector from Bangkok to Xi’an is Q2‑388 (A320), departing Suvarnabhumi and arriving at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport. The return sector from Xi’an to Bangkok operates under Q2‑389 (A320).

Strategic Importance of the Bangkok–Xi’an Air Link

The establishment of this new route comes at a time when Southeast Asia to China air travel demand is rebounding strongly after pandemic‑era disruptions. Xi’an — one of China’s major inland cities, famed for the Terracotta Warriors and strong economic growth — has been steadily increasing its international aviation links. The connection via Bangkok, a major regional hub, provides important transit and tourism routing opportunities.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport is Thailand’s largest international gateway and a major connecting point for travellers across Asia. Integrating Maldivian’s services into this gateway allows passengers from South Asia, Southeast Asia and beyond to access Xi’an with significantly greater ease.

For Xi’an, the newly connected corridor enhances its accessibility to Thailand as a destination. This facilitates both inbound tourism to Xi’an and outbound travel from China to Thailand — a prominent leisure destination — particularly during peak travel windows like Lunar New Year and summer months.

Impact on Travel and Tourism

The launch of Maldivian Airlines’ Bangkok–Xi’an service has already shown positive effects on travel volume and marketing interest on this route. Tourism authorities in both Thailand and China have noted increased booking inquiries and early ticket sales from leisure travellers keen to explore both Thailand’s beaches and Xi’an’s rich cultural heritage.

Xi’an’s tourism‑oriented attractions — including the UNESCO World Heritage Terracotta Army, ancient city walls, and rich Silk Road history — attract millions of visitors annually. A direct link from Bangkok opens the city up to a broader market of Southeast Asian tourists who previously needed to transfer via other hubs.

On the Bangkok side, Maldivian’s new service bolsters the airport’s position as a gateway for inbound travellers from China’s interior destinations. Beyond the major megacities of Beijing and Shanghai, Xi’an represents a fast‑growing source of outbound tourists whose spending patterns favour cultural, heritage and family‑oriented travel — segments that have shown strong post‑pandemic rebounding.

Travel agents and tour operators have already reported an uptick in travel packages combining Thai beach stays with cultural tours in Xi’an. This is expected to sustain through 2026, reflecting strengthened bi‑lateral tourism flows between China and Thailand.

Economic Effects of the New Route

The economic impact of launching new international flights extends beyond passenger convenience. For Thailand, enhanced connectivity with China — one of the world’s largest outbound tourism markets — drives increased visitor spending in key sectors like hospitality, retail, and food services. Bangkok, as a central hub, benefits from tourism receipts and increased transit passenger expenditures.

For Xi’an and surrounding Shaanxi Province, the inflow of international visitors translates into broader economic benefits. Increased Chinese outbound travel from Xi’an to Thailand leads to higher spending on tourism products abroad, while inbound travellers from Southeast Asia contribute to spending in local tourism industries, including accommodation, tours, and cultural sites.

Air services also benefit cargo and trade flows. While this Maldivian service is primarily passenger‑oriented, having reliable air links enhances business travel and commercial exchanges between Thai and Chinese firms, particularly in the growing sectors of technology, education, and agricultural exports.

Broader Connectivity and Future Outlook

Maldivian’s expansion into this China–Thailand corridor aligns with a broader industry trend of airlines increasing medium‑haul international services. Xi’an’s improving global profile — both as a tourism magnet and a business city — encourages carriers to respond with more direct flights that reduce travel times and eliminate multiple transfers.

Airlines and airport authorities have highlighted the importance of expanding route networks to diversify traffic sources. Maldivian’s decision to use its Airbus A320 fleet for this service underscores the airline’s intent to balance fleet utilisation with market demand, leveraging efficient jet performance on regional international routes.

Key industry stakeholders project that air traffic on the Bangkok–Xi’an sector will continue to grow throughout 2026, with increased frequencies possible should market conditions strengthen. This would further amplify tourism, business travel and aviation growth between the regions.

How Maldivian Makes Travel Easier

In conclusion, the new Maldivian Airlines route from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Xi’an Xianyang (XIY), launched on 1 February 2026 and operated with Airbus A320 aircraft, has materially enhanced connectivity between Thailand and China. It provides smoother, faster options for travellers seeking direct access to cultural and business hubs in China.

By expanding service offerings and linking important regional markets, Maldivian has contributed to stronger tourism flows, increased tourism‑related spending, and expanded economic cooperation. The route reduces travel friction and strengthens airport hubs as international gateways, benefiting passengers and industries on both sides of the journey.