Norway Takes The Lead With New Direct Flights To Thailand, Igniting A Surge In Tourism Growth And Strengthening TAT’s Strategic Goals For 2025

Published on December 11, 2025

Norway is stepping up as a key player in the global tourism market with the introduction of new direct flights to Thailand. This strategic move is set to bolster Thailand’s tourism growth as part of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) ambitious 2025 goals. By connecting Norway directly to Thailand, the new route not only enhances travel convenience for Norwegian tourists but also aligns with TAT’s efforts to diversify and expand its international visitor base, tapping into a previously underexplored market.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has recently highlighted the success of its airline-focused tourism strategy, which has been significantly bolstered by the introduction of new routes from Europe to Thailand. This expansion is part of a broader effort to increase long-haul travel to the country, and it follows the recent launch of several key routes by a Norwegian airline.

The collaboration between TAT and its airline partners is designed to enhance the frequency of flights landing in Thailand, making the country more accessible to international visitors. The core objective of the initiative is to bring more flights from international markets to Thailand, ultimately supporting the recovery of the tourism sector. This strategy has proven effective, with the number of direct routes to the country increasing as more international airlines enter the market.

The Norwegian airline, which began operations in Thailand in October, introduced a series of new routes to key Thai destinations. Among these routes was the Stockholm-Bangkok flight, which launched on October 23. This was followed by the opening of a new London Gatwick-Bangkok route on October 27, and the Manchester-Bangkok route, which commenced on November 27. These new services are part of the airline’s broader strategy to expand its network, connecting Europe to Thailand with direct flights. The launch of the Manchester-Bangkok route was particularly notable, as it marked the first-ever direct connection between these two cities. The Manchester-Bangkok flight is scheduled to operate once a week, offering passengers a convenient and direct travel option to the Thai capital.

In addition to its new routes to Bangkok, the airline also expanded its service to Phuket, a popular destination for international tourists. Two new direct flights have been introduced: the Stockholm-Phuket route, which began on December 5, and the Oslo-Phuket route, which launched soon after. Both of these flights are also scheduled to operate once a week, and each flight is capable of carrying up to 338 passengers. The addition of these routes provides further connectivity between Northern Europe and Thailand’s world-renowned beach destinations.

This expansion is a reflection of the increasing demand for travel to Thailand from European markets, particularly the Scandinavian region. The Scandinavian market is considered one of the most promising sources of growth for Thailand’s tourism industry. The country has seen a notable increase in visitors from Sweden and Norway, two of the largest source markets for Scandinavian tourists. From January 1 to December 7, 2025, Sweden saw a 9.52% increase in arrivals, totaling 185,580 visitors, while Norway experienced a 13.06% rise in arrivals, reaching 104,618 tourists.

The increased demand from Scandinavian markets can be attributed to the growing popularity of Thailand as a winter holiday destination. The country’s warm weather, stunning beaches, and rich cultural offerings make it an ideal choice for travelers from colder regions, particularly during the European winter months. In addition to Bangkok and Phuket, other Thai destinations such as Krabi, Surat Thani, and Chiang Mai are also popular among Scandinavian tourists, further strengthening Thailand’s appeal in this key market.

One of the key elements of TAT’s airline-focused tourism strategy is its focus on direct flights from international markets. By increasing the number of direct flights to Thailand, TAT aims to make it more convenient for travelers to visit the country, offering them a seamless travel experience. Direct flights not only reduce travel time but also make the journey more attractive to potential visitors who may otherwise have been deterred by longer travel times or the need for connecting flights.

The rise in Scandinavian visitors to Thailand is also part of a larger trend of increased international tourism to the country. As Thailand recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government and tourism authorities have been working hard to revive the tourism industry, which is a key pillar of the country’s economy. The introduction of new routes by international airlines is a positive sign for the future of Thai tourism, as it indicates growing demand from international markets.

In addition to its work with international airlines, TAT has also been focusing on attracting high-value tourists who are likely to stay longer and spend more while in Thailand. Scandinavian tourists, known for their high levels of disposable income, are seen as an important demographic for the country’s tourism sector. These travelers tend to stay for longer periods and often visit multiple destinations within Thailand, contributing significantly to the local economy.

As Thailand continues to welcome more visitors from Europe and other parts of the world, the government and tourism authorities are focusing on sustainable tourism practices to ensure that the growth of the industry is balanced with environmental protection and the well-being of local communities. With new routes bringing more visitors to the country, there is an increasing emphasis on ensuring that tourism development is done in a way that benefits both travelers and the people of Thailand.

Looking ahead, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is optimistic about the future of the tourism sector, particularly in terms of attracting international visitors. The recent expansion of direct flights from key European markets is just the beginning, and there are plans to further strengthen Thailand’s position as a leading destination for international travelers. The country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse natural beauty, and vibrant cities continue to make it one of the most sought-after destinations in Asia and beyond.

Norway’s new direct flights to Thailand are set to boost tourism growth, supporting the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s strategic goals for 2025 by attracting more Norwegian visitors and strengthening the country’s global appeal.

the expansion of international air routes to Thailand, particularly from the Scandinavian region, is a key element in the country’s tourism strategy. By increasing the number of direct flights, Thailand is making itself more accessible to a broader range of international visitors, helping to boost the recovery of its tourism industry. With strong growth in arrivals from Sweden, Norway, and other Scandinavian countries, Thailand is poised to continue attracting tourists from around the world, strengthening its position as a top travel destination.