On December 1, 2024, Thai Airways International (‘Thai’) operated its first scheduled passenger flight between its primary hub in Bangkok and Brussels in Belgium. The new service signals a return to the route by Thailand’s national carrier after previous operations on the route were put on an indefinite hiatus following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new service will operate daily using the carrier’s six-strong fleet of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and is currently the only direct link between the two cities. The 5,761 miles (9,217km) route is scheduled to take around 11 hours to complete. The first flight (flight number TG934) departed Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) at 00:50 on December 1, 2024, arriving at Brussels Airport (BRU) at 06:47 the same day. The first flight operated by 787-8 HS-TQC, was met with a traditional water cannon salute by the Belgian authorities after landing at Brussels.
“As a member of the Star Alliance airline group, Thai Airways International further reinforces Brussels Airport’s position as a key international hub in Europe. In addition to Thai’s passenger service, cargo will also be transported on the flights to Asia,” Brussels Airport said in a statement.
The inauguration ceremony held at the airport following the flight’s arrival was attended by outgoing Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, the Chairman of Thai Airways International Piyasvasti Amranand, the Plan Administrator of Thai Airways International Chansin Treenuchagron, the CEO of Thai Airways International Chai Eamsiri, and Thai Ambassadors Kanchana Patarachoke and Skander Nasra.
“I am delighted to welcome Thai Airways International back to Brussels Airport,” added Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport. “This connection is a significant addition to the airport’s intercontinental network, serving as a major destination for both tourism and business travel. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration,”
“The resumption of this route highlights Thai Airways’ commitment to strengthening relations between Belgium and Thailand,” said Chai Eamsiri. “It opens new opportunities in tourism, trade, culture, and investment, deepening the bond between our nations. I sincerely appreciate Brussels Airport and all our partners here in Belgium for their continued support. Your trust and loyalty are the driving forces behind our success.”
The daily connection between Bangkok and Brussels is being seen as a key ingredient to reinforcing Brussels Airport’s position as a major European air travel to better compete with London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam.
As part of the new offering, Thai provides multiple onward connections for Brussels originating passengers from Bangkok to destinations across Asia and beyond through its regional network. Additionally, as part of the global Star Alliance, connections are available through Brussels Airport for Star Allice passengers traveling from Thailand to other destinations across Europe, Africa, and North America.
According to ch-aviation, Thai’s fleet of Boeing 787-8s seat 256 passengers in a two-class layout – 22 in business class and 234 in economy class.