Thai Airways offers ‘semi-commercial’ flights to 7 international destinations

1 min readUpdated Jun 4, 2025Nov 4, 202011:07 PM

In this article (5)

After a major slowdown in both international and domestic travel due to coronavirus travel restrictions, Thai Airways is now offering flights to and from 7 international destinations over the next 2 months, according to the airline’s chief executive Wiwat Piyawirot.

These flights are “semi-commercial.” Wiwat says return flights are intended for Thais returning home from overseas, those with families in Thailand, those traveling to Thailand on business, students, and travelers with connecting flights.

Departures in November and December

London – Sundays
Frankfurt – Fridays
Copenhagen – Sundays
Hong Kong – Wednesdays (expect November 11 and 25)
Tokyo – Wednesdays and Saturdays
Taipei – Fridays and Wednesdays
Sydney – Sundays (Must inform the Australian Embassy in Thailand)

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What this means

Thai Airways' 'semi-commercial' flight offering is a pragmatic step to rebuild capacity and revenue by targeting essential travel segments across 7 international destinations. This cautious re-entry pressures regional competitors, many of whom have also been navigating reduced international demand. While it doesn't fully restore commercial operations, the strategy mitigates risk by focusing on known demand, such as Thais returning home or business travellers, a move similar to its rivals who have prioritised cargo or repatriation flights. The primary risk lies in sustained low demand or further travel restrictions impacting these specific routes. We must now watch the load factors on these initial flights to gauge the true underlying demand for essential international travel.

Minjun Park

Questions & Answers

Who can book these 'semi-commercial' flights to Thailand?

Return flights are intended for Thai nationals coming home, people with families in Thailand, business travellers, students, and those with connecting flights. This covers several categories of individuals needing to travel.

Which international destinations are included in the flight schedule?

Thai Airways is offering flights to London, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Taipei, and Sydney. These are the seven international destinations mentioned in the schedule.

What day of the week do flights depart from London to Thailand?

Flights departing from London to Thailand are scheduled for Sundays in both November and December. This provides a consistent weekly option for travellers from the UK.

Are there any special requirements for flying to Sydney?

Yes, passengers travelling to Sydney must inform the Australian Embassy in Thailand. This is a specific requirement mentioned for that particular route in the flight schedule.

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