PATTAYA, Thailand – As regional travel to China rebounds, Thailand is intensifying efforts to boost air connectivity and capture tourism and business opportunities in the post-pandemic recovery.
Following a statement by Singapore Airlines, which reported an 80% increase in seat sales on flights to China in recent months, Thai authorities and airlines are keeping a close watch on the shifting demand in Asia’s aviation landscape. Singapore Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer Lee Lik Hsin noted that inbound travel to China has surged over the last six months, although outbound traffic from China remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Thailand, a long-time tourism and business hub for Chinese travelers, has been actively working to restore flight routes to Chinese cities. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is coordinating with domestic and international carriers to increase flight frequencies and open new routes in anticipation of further recovery. Airlines such as Thai Airways and Thai AirAsia have already resumed numerous connections to key Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has also launched renewed marketing campaigns in mainland China aimed at attracting more visitors during the second half of 2025, aligning with visa waivers and improved airport handling capacity at hubs like Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang.
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines, which also owns the low-cost carrier Scoot, reported that while mainline traffic to China is near pre-pandemic levels, Scoot’s figures still lag slightly, at around 80%. Still, the group’s overall performance remains strong—last week, Singapore Airlines announced its highest-ever annual net profit, bolstered in part by its merger of India’s Vistara with Air India.
In response to growing competition and rising demand, Thai carriers are expected to focus on competitive pricing, improved services, and expanded routes, particularly in the lucrative Chinese market. Government and industry leaders in Thailand see this as a strategic moment to strengthen the country’s aviation footprint and reinforce its role as a gateway between Southeast Asia and Greater China.
