26 October 2025 – Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok: The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), represented by Mr. Saran Benjanirat, Deputy Director of Aviation Economic Development, joined the welcoming ceremony for United Airlines’ inaugural flight UA820 on the Los Angeles–Bangkok route, marking the return of the U.S. carrier to Thailand after more than 11 years.
The return of United Airlines to Thai skies underscores the renewed confidence of international airlines and aviation authorities in Thailand’s robust aviation safety standards. This milestone follows Thailand’s achievement in regaining Category 1 status from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), confirming that the country’s aviation safety oversight complies with international standards. The Category 1 restoration allows Thai airlines to operate flights to the United States and further strengthens confidence among foreign carriers operating under CAAT’s regulatory framework.
Mr. Saran Benjanirat stated, “As the national civil aviation regulator, CAAT remains firmly committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and security in line with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and leading aviation authorities worldwide. The return of United Airlines to Thailand is a strong testament to international confidence in Thailand’s aviation oversight system and reinforces the country’s image as a growing aviation hub in the region.”
Flight UA820, operated with a 257-seat aircraft, departed from Los Angeles International Airport, made a stopover in Hong Kong, and arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport on the morning of 26 October 2025. The flight was warmly received by executives from the government and private sectors, including H.E. Robert F. Godec, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Mr. Marcel Fuchs, Senior Executive of United Airlines, Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), and other related agencies. The event featured a ceremonial Water Salute and traditional Thai performances, marking the return of a U.S. carrier to Thailand after more than a decade.
United Airlines will operate daily services on the Bangkok–Los Angeles route, with a technical stop in Hong Kong on both outbound and inbound sectors. This new route not only enhances air connectivity between Thailand and the United States but also symbolizes the recovery and revitalization of Thailand’s aviation and tourism industries through strong multi-sector collaboration.
As Thailand’s civil aviation regulator, CAAT will continue working closely with domestic and international partners to advance the government’s “Aviation Hub” policy, ensuring safe, secure, and sustainable growth of the aviation sector and reinforcing global confidence in the Thai skies.
