Thailand’s Slot Requests Signal Strong 2026 Demand

In 2025, a total of 86 international airlines negotiated with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand for more than 270,000 flights to and from Thailand, revisiting existing allocations and seeking additional slots for the Summer 2026 scheduling period. This reflects continued confidence in Thailand’s position as a leading tourism and economic destination in Southeast Asia.

Across the country’s five busiest gateways—Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, and U-Tapao International Airport—airlines have submitted a total of 543,738 slot requests for the 2026 summer season.

New airlines proposing entry into the Thai market include South African Airways, which has filed for a three-times-weekly Johannesburg–Bangkok service. Sun Phu Quoc Airways has requested approval for a daily Phu Quoc–Bangkok route. Luxury carrier Beond is seeking permission to operate three weekly flights from the Maldives to Bangkok. Additionally, Riyadh Air has also applied to launch daily service to Suvarnabhumi Airport from Riyadh. These proposed additions come as Thailand continues to attract new medium- to long-haul capacity, following the recent launch of services by United Airlines connecting Thailand with the United States.

Overall, aviation connectivity continues to expand, supported by strong demand from global airlines seeking capacity into Thailand’s key tourism and business hubs. For Thailand’s real estate sector, this sustained increase in international airlift reinforces long-term fundamentals: deeper global accessibility, a steady flow of visitors and new residents, and heightened confidence among multinational businesses—factors that collectively support demand for both residential and hospitality assets.