United Airlines: Flights to Bangkok back after 11 years!

United Airlines: Flights to Bangkok back after 11 years!

A big bang in the aviation industry: After an eleven-year break, United Airlines has now resumed the connection between Los Angeles and Bangkok. This news is timely as Thailand continues to grow in popularity among American travelers. As Simple Flying reports, the new connection will be served daily by the most modern aircraft, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This aircraft can transport up to 257 passengers in three different classes, offering every traveler the right ambience for a long journey.

The first flight, UA 820, departed Los Angeles promptly at 11:15 p.m. on October 24 and landed in Bangkok at 11:25 a.m. on October 26. With a stopover in Hong Kong, this new service is not only a sign of recovery, but also promises more travel convenience for North American visitors. The USA in particular is an important growth market in tourism for Thailand. It is estimated that around 1.09 million American guests could visit Thailand by the end of 2025, generating around 62 billion baht in revenue, according to [Yahoo].

Celebratory return

Back to Suvarnabhumi Airport, where the arrival of the first United flight was celebrated with a festive ceremony. A water cannon salute and the presence of high-profile figures such as US Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool added a special touch to the moment. “The resumption of these flights shows confidence in Thailand's tourism potential,” Godec said during the ceremony.

The return flights are just as well organized. The UA 821 route from Bangkok to Los Angeles leaves the Thai capital every day at 4:55 p.m. and reaches Los Angeles at 8:25 p.m. the same day. The total travel time including a stopover in Hong Kong is just under 17.5 hours for the outward flight and less than 12 hours for the return flight.

A look at tourism

The new connection is a welcome addition to existing routes and shows how important air transport from North America is to Thailand's tourism sector. This country has already seen a 5 percent increase in visitors from the United States in 2025. The entire tourism sector has recovered since the Covid pandemic, with Thailand also seeing various international flight offers from other Asian airlines as well as Europe.

According to Country Data, Bangkok and other Thai cities such as Phuket and Chiang Mai are among the top travel destinations worldwide. Visitors are always warmly welcomed at the popular Royal Palace in Bangkok and the beautiful beaches of Phuket. Although mass tourism has its challenges, Thailand remains a favorite among international travelers.

In summary, the return of United Airlines shows how dynamic and adaptable Bangkok Airport is. As the world of travel continues to change, Thailand remains committed to reinforcing its appeal as a destination and further encouraging tourism from the United States.