Hopes are rising that Thai Airways could resume services to New Zealand.
The airline withdrew from Auckland in early 2020, but there are signs it could be back next year, with a Mar start date rumoured to be a possibility. Associate transport minister James Meager says its return to this country would be welcomed. ”Our understanding is the airline is considering the resumption of services, which may happen in 2026,’’ he told Travel Today. Meager is responsible for aviation within the government and says TG has previously shown a long-term commitment to this country. ”The airline not only served the New Zealand—Thailand market, but offered an attractive stopover for travellers to and from Europe.’’
. . . Hopes at AKL
Chief customer officer at AKL, Scott Tasker, says without non-stop links to Thailand now there’s a strong Is TG Readying for A Kiwi Comeback? market for TG to serve. He says he hopes the airline will be back but has no advice as to when that could be. The return of TG would be even more welcome now that Vietjet has scrubbed planned direct links to another popular destination for Kiwis: Vietnam. AKL says that before the pandemic nearly 48,000 Kiwis flew to Thailand and outbound numbers have held up despite the indirect flights. Last year nearly 45,000 Kiwis visited Thailand. Inbound numbers fell from 28,000 to 20,000. Last year when PM Christopher Luxon met his Thai counterpart the countries ‘prioritised’ direct air links and set ambitious goals for two-way traffic of 100,000 outbound to Thailand and 40,000 inbound.
. . . TG’s Recovery
TG’s corporate office has been contacted for comment on restoring its New Zealand flights, which it last flew with a 787. It went into bankruptcy-protected restructuring in 2020, slashing its workforce and fleet. As part of its business rehabilitation plan it is set to resume trading on the country’s share market this week. “With a track record of strong performance and a clear strategy for future growth, Thai is poised to reclaim its position as a leader in the regional aviation industry,’’ says TG.
