BANGKOK – Thailand is expected to resume direct flights to the United States in February 2025, following an anticipated upgrade in the country’s aviation safety rating by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
This development comes after the American aviation watchdog’s recent audit of Thailand’s aviation sector, which showed major improvements in compliance with international safety standards.
Category 1 Status Restored
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that Thailand is set to regain its Category 1 (CAT 1) safety rating early next year. The FAA inspection was conducted from November 11 to 15, during which the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) received favorable outcomes.
While minor issues were still identified, they are not expected to affect the final decision from the FAA. An official announcement regarding the upgrade is expected by late February 2025, signaling the restoration of a status last held in 2015, as reported by the Bangkok Post.
The CAT 1 status confirms that Thailand’s civil aviation authority complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, enabling Thai carriers, primarily Thai Airways (TG) to operate direct flights to and from the United States.
From Downgrade to Progress
Thailand was downgraded to Category 2 (CAT 2) in December 2015 after the FAA cited non-compliance with ICAO regulations. This downgrade restricted Thai airlines from adding new routes to the U.S.
Since then, the CAAT has undertaken extensive reforms to address safety concerns. According to Transport Permanent Secretary Chayatan Phromsorn, the CAAT’s efforts to meet international standards were accessed and evaluated during the FAA’s five-day audit, which found that major issues had been resolved.
Implications for Thailand’s Aviation Industry
The return to CAT 1 designation is an important milestone for Thailand’s aviation sector. It will enhance Thai carriers to establish or expand operations in the lucrative U.S. market, increasing both tourism and trade.
Moreover, the upgrade marks the culmination of years of effort to restore confidence in the country’s aviation standards. Thailand initially received CAT 1 status in 1997 and maintained it through subsequent assessments in 2001 and 2008, only to lose it in 2015.
With CAT 1 status now within reach, Thailand’s aviation industry is expecting renewed growth, strengthening its connectivity with global markets.
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The post Thailand Nears Restoration of US Direct Flights appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
