Virgin Atlantic will launch a thrice-weekly Heathrow–Phuket service (its first flight to Southeast Asia), opening the UK’s only direct air link to Thailand’s largest island. Likewise, United has resumed daily Los Angeles–Bangkok service (via Hong Kong) from October 2025, marking the return of U.S.–Thailand connectivity after more than a decade. Both carriers cite soaring demand for winter sun and business travel. In sum, these routes shorten itineraries and support growing traffic: Virgin will offer package holidays from £999 with Virgin Holidays, and new LA–BKK flights deliver a one-plane journey (LAX–HKG–BKK) on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
“We’re thrilled to introduce our new direct service to Phuket, giving our customers a flavour of one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations. … We can’t wait for our customers to experience our trademark hospitality on their next unforgettable journey.” – Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic CCO.
The new UK–Phuket link expands Virgin’s winter sun portfolio, complementing services to Cancun, Dubai, and the Caribbean. It also plugs a strategic gap: Virgin has announced only one other Asian route (London–Seoul ICN, launching 2026), making this Phuket service a bold foray into Southeast Asia in a competitive market (TUI operates seasonal flights Gatwick–Phuket). Critics note that such long, leisure-focused routes carry yield risks, especially for an airline with limited feeder traffic; Virgin’s new LHR–HKT route becomes its longest ever. Still, the carrier has pitched the route to holidaymakers – with resorts on Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and beyond reachable via partnerships – and will sell tickets via its own site as well as travel agents and booking platforms. For UK travellers eyeing extended stays or work stints in Thailand, the government now offers long-stay visas (e.g. the 10-year “LTR” visa) for investors, retirees and remote workers.
United’s new service is equally momentous. The daily Los Angeles–Bangkok flight (UA 820/821) via Hong Kong makes United the only U.S. carrier serving Bangkok as of October 2025. Operated on a 787-9 Dreamliner with 257 seats (Polaris Business, Premium Plus and Economy), it effectively ends the 11-year hiatus after Thai carriers left the U.S. market. The route reinstates a one-stop connection for travelers across North America: San Francisco passengers can now connect through Los Angeles or Hong Kong seamlessly. Thai Tourism officials say the relaunch is a “significant milestone” strengthening tourism and economic ties between the nations. Indeed, U.S. agencies report that around 808,000 Americans visited Thailand in Jan–Oct 2025 (up 5% YoY), and industry observers expect year-end arrivals to exceed 1 million, as pent-up demand for Asia recoveries kicks in.
“This new service not only strengthens bilateral tourism and economic ties but also responds to the growing interest among American travellers seeking meaningful experiences in Thailand,” said TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.
Long-haul travel demand is returning fast. In recent quarters, airline seat capacity and flight frequencies to Thailand have grown sharply as part of Thailand’s “Airline Focus” strategy. Forward bookings show particular strength from the UK, US, Europe and beyond, reflecting Thailand’s broad appeal and improved connectivity. For example, Thailand saw 11.35 million tourist arrivals in Jan–Apr 2025 – already over one-quarter of its annual target – with UK visitors up about 20.6% and U.S. visitors up 12.8% year-on-year. These figures reinforce that business connectivity and tourism are rebounding in tandem. Asia-Pacific travel searches surged about 25% year-on-year in late 2024, and booking engines like Expedia are showing rising demand for Thailand itineraries. Together, the new Virgin and United routes not only signal confidence in long-haul recovery but also funnel lucrative inbound flows into Thailand’s economy.
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External Sources: Official press releases from Virgin Atlantic and United Airlines, and data from the Thailand Tourism Authority.
