New Phuket Routes from London and Chisinau Proposed for Winter 2026–2027

Airlines from around the world are continuing to expand their interest in Thailand despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and rising fuel costs, with several new routes to Phuket proposed for the 2026–2027 winter season.

The plans were discussed during the 158th IATA Slot Conference, held in Bangkok from June 9 to 11. The event was hosted by Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT), which coordinates flight slots for the country's major international airports, including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, as well as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Samui, and U-Tapao airports.

According to CAAT, representatives from 87 international airlines requested meetings to discuss flight schedules and slot allocations for the upcoming winter season.

Among the airlines receiving slots for potential operations to Thailand were Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air, the United Kingdom’s Virgin Atlantic, Moldova’s SkyUp Nistru, and Malaysia’s AirBorneo.

For Phuket, several proposed routes stood out due to their potential significance for tourism and international connectivity. Airlines have applied for slots on the following routes:

• London Heathrow – Phuket

• London Gatwick – Phuket

• Copenhagen – Phuket

• Cebu – Phuket

• Chisinau – Phuket – Sharjah

The proposed Chisinau–Phuket–Sharjah service could provide a new direct link between Phuket and Moldova, while the London routes would strengthen connections with one of Phuket’s key long-haul tourism markets.

Authorities emphasized that the allocation of airport slots does not automatically mean the routes will begin operating. Slot approval is only one step in the process and provides airlines with the opportunity to schedule regular flights. Final decisions on launching services remain with the carriers.

The IATA Slot Conference focuses exclusively on scheduled commercial flights. Charter operations are handled through separate approval procedures and are not typically discussed during the event.

The conference brought together airlines from Europe, the Middle East, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Participants included major international carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air France, KLM, Finnair, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, and ANA.

Thailand’s Transport Minister and former Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn attended the closing reception, highlighting the government's continued focus on strengthening international air connectivity and supporting tourism growth.