Queensland’s direct flights to Bangkok resume after four years

Jetstar is launching direct flights from Queensland‘s Brisbane Airport to Bangkok this December, a route last serviced by Thai Airways (THAI) before its suspension in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Brisbane Airport (BNE), backed by the Queensland Government, has been pivotal in restoring international connections post-pandemic. Reintroducing the Bangkok route is one of the final pieces in this global jigsaw. This service marks Brisbane Airport’s 32nd direct international route and is Jetstar’s 20th route from Brisbane, coinciding with the low-cost carrier’s 20th anniversary.

The thrice-weekly service, commencing December 13, will depart Brisbane at 2.20pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, returning at 8.25am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Jetstar’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners will offer the only non-stop service between Brisbane and Bangkok, dramatically reducing travel time.

Since partnering with Brisbane Airport last year, Jetstar has significantly expanded, introducing 500,000 new low-fare seats annually on non-stop routes to Tokyo Narita, Osaka Kansai, Seoul Incheon, and Auckland. The Brisbane-Bangkok service is projected to add 190,000 inbound seats to Queensland over three years, injecting 116 million Australian dollars (approximately 2.8 billion baht) into the local economy and creating up to 630 jobs.

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff noted the high demand for this route on social media.

“A direct flight simplifies family and friend connections and boosts opportunities for Queensland exporters, with up to 15 tonnes of freight capacity per flight. Queenslanders have embraced Jetstar’s value, elevating it to Brisbane Airport’s second-largest international carrier.”

This news follows Qantas’s recent announcement of a new Brisbane-Manila route starting October 28, with four weekly flights, and additional services between Brisbane and Singapore commencing October 27, enhancing travel efficiency to London by four hours, reported Simple Flying.

In related news, starting December 1, THAI will resume its daily direct passenger flights between Brussels Airport and Bangkok. This eagerly awaited route, which was suspended during the Covid pandemic, significantly enhances Brussels Airport’s intercontinental offerings.