Phuket Unites Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui in the Line of New Flights: The 2026 Flight Map That Changes Everything!

Published on February 25, 2026

The year 2026 is officially the year of the “Great Reconnection” for Southeast Asian aviation. After years of recalibration, major airlines have pulled back the curtain on an ambitious roadmap for the next twelve months. The strategy is clear: restore the legendary long-haul links that once defined Bangkok as a global crossroads while aggressively pumping life into regional hubs like Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai.

For travelers and industry insiders alike, the 2026 schedule isn’t just about more seats; it’s about a smarter, more efficient way to move across the globe. From the return of legacy carriers to the rise of premium boutique airlines, the sky is looking significantly more crowded—and much more interesting.

The Return of the Titans: Thai Airways Resumes Long-Haul Dominance

Perhaps the most anticipated news of the year is the aggressive expansion of Thai Airways. After a period of restructuring and route consolidation, the national carrier is reclaiming its footprint in key international markets.

The highlight of the second half of 2026 is the resumption of the Auckland (AKL) – Bangkok (BKK) route. After a six-year hiatus, Thai Airways will once again offer daily non-stop flights, providing a vital bridge between New Zealand and Southeast Asia. This isn’t just a win for tourists; it’s a critical link for trade and the VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) market that has been underserved for over half a decade.

Simultaneously, the airline is turning its gaze back toward Europe. Starting July 1, 2026, Thai Airways will relaunch daily non-stop service between Amsterdam (AMS) and Bangkok (BKK). This marks a significant return to the Dutch market, positioning Suvarnabhumi as a primary gateway for Northern European travelers heading into the Indochina region.

Connecting the Region: The Rise of Low-Cost and Hub Expansion

While the long-haul routes grab the headlines, the regional “workhorse” routes are where the real growth is happening. Thai Vietjet Air and Vietjet Thailand have been particularly active in early 2026.

• Narita (NRT) – Bangkok (BKK): On February 2, 2026, Thai Vietjet Air launched daily non-stop flights using the state-of-the-art Boeing 737 MAX 8. This aircraft choice highlights a shift toward fuel efficiency and passenger comfort in the low-cost sector.
• Kolkata (CCU) – Bangkok (BKK): Vietjet Thailand kicked off the year on January 3, 2026, with a four-weekly service, tapping into the massive demand for travel between India’s cultural capital and Thailand.
• Varanasi (VNS) – Bangkok (BKK): Not to be outdone, Air India Express began its own weekly non-stop flights on February 1, 2026, catering to both religious pilgrims and leisure seekers.

The expansion isn’t limited to the capital. Scoot has recognized the growing allure of Northern Thailand, launching 5 flights per week between Singapore (SIN) and Chiang Rai (CEI) as of January 1, 2026. This move bypasses the need for a Bangkok layover, making the “Golden Triangle” more accessible than ever.

Summer 2026: New Slots and New Players

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has been busy allocating slots for the upcoming Summer 2026 season, which officially kicks off on March 29. The list of newly approved routes reads like a “who’s who” of global aviation.

One of the most intriguing additions is South African Airways, which will operate a Johannesburg – Bangkok – Guangzhou triangle route three times a week. This marks a major boost for Africa-Asia connectivity. Meanwhile, the Middle Eastern giants are doubling down. Riyadh Air—the industry’s newest heavy hitter—will launch 7 flights per week between Riyadh and Bangkok, and flydubai will begin services into Don Mueang (DMK), offering a low-cost alternative for travelers from Dubai.

The luxury and niche markets are also seeing growth. Beond, the world’s first premium leisure airline, will fly between the Maldives (MLE) and Bangkok three times a week, targeting high-net-worth travelers looking for a dual-destination vacation.

Island Hopping and Indian Expansion

Phuket and Koh Samui continue to be the crown jewels of Thai tourism, and the 2026 flight schedules reflect this.

Air India is set to launch a direct link between Delhi (DEL) and Koh Samui (USM), a route that has been highly requested by luxury travelers from the subcontinent. Simultaneously, IndiGo will connect the newly opened Navi Mumbai airport with Phuket, further solidifying the bridge between India and Thailand’s largest island.

European connectivity to the islands remains strong as well, with Air France adding 3 weekly flights between Paris (CDG) and Phuket (HKT) for its winter 2025-2026 schedule, ensuring that the “Pearl of the Andaman” remains a top choice for French holidaymakers.

The Operational Reality: Fees and Fleets

It isn’t all new destinations and ribbon-cutting ceremonies; there are significant operational changes that travelers need to keep on their radar.

The Cost of Travel

Starting June 20, 2026, travelers will notice a jump in their ticket prices. The International Passenger Service Charge (PSC) is set to increase from 730 THB to 1,120 THB. This increase applies to six major airports managed by Airports of Thailand (AOT), including Suvarnabhumi and Phuket. While the hike is intended to fund airport upgrades and technological integration, it is a factor for budget-conscious flyers to consider.

Fleet Modernization

To combat rising fuel costs and meet sustainability goals, airlines are aggressively modernizing their fleets. Thai Airways and Vietjet Thailand are leading the charge by introducing more Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. These planes are designed for regional efficiency, allowing airlines to increase flight frequency without a proportional increase in carbon footprint.