Thailand Regains FAA Category 1 Status
ID 71742365 | Thai Airways © Nutkamol Komolvanich | Dreamstime.com
Thailand has officially regained FAA Category 1 status, a major milestone that clears the way for Thai airlines to resume nonstop commercial service to the United States for the first time in nearly a decade. The upgrade, announced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), marks a significant improvement in the oversight and safety standards of Thailand’s civil aviation authority.
Background on the Downgrade and Its Impacts
Thailand was downgraded to Category 2 in 2015, preventing its airlines from launching new routes to the U.S. or expanding existing services. The downgrade also barred Thai carriers from codesharing with U.S. airlines, severely limiting connectivity and commercial partnerships.
Now with the restoration of Category 1, Thai airlines may once again operate direct flights to the United States and establish codeshare agreements with U.S. carriers.
Thai Airways Eyes U.S. Service Revival
Following the upgrade, Thai Airways has signaled renewed interest in resuming long-haul service to the United States. The national carrier last operated nonstop flights to cities like Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK) over a decade ago.
With the country’s restored FAA status and increased demand for travel to Thailand, speculation is growing that Thai Airways could reenter the U.S. market in the coming years. The airline currently faces an aircraft shortage, but has 45 Boeing 787-9s on order, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. These long-range, fuel-efficient aircraft would be ideal for routes from Bangkok (BKK) to the U.S. West Coast, such as Los Angeles or San Francisco.
While a 2027 timeline aligns with fleet expansion, growing public interest—boosted by Thailand’s spotlight in popular media such as the latest season of The White Lotus—could prompt Thai authorities to accelerate launch plans ahead of new aircraft arrivals.
Increased Interest in Thailand from North American Carriers
Airlines in North America are already capitalizing on increased demand for travel to Thailand:
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Air Canada currently operates seasonal service between Vancouver (YVR) and Bangkok (BKK).
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United Airlines will launch new service to Bangkok from Hong Kong (HKG), reflecting rising interest in Southeast Asia.
The U.S.–Thailand market remains underserved, particularly in the nonstop segment. The restoration of FAA Category 1 status allows for potential partnerships and route development that could reestablish direct connectivity between the two countries.
Bottom Line
After nearly a decade, Thailand has regained FAA Category 1 status, enabling Thai carriers to once again operate nonstop flights to the United States and codeshare with U.S. airlines. Thai Airways has expressed interest in relaunching service, and with new Boeing 787-9s set to join its fleet in 2027, long-haul expansion is increasingly viable. Whether the airline waits for the new deliveries or accelerates the timeline to meet renewed demand remains to be seen—but the regulatory door is now officially open.
