BANGKOK, September 5 Flights from Europe to Thailand have seen a sharp increase in cost in 2026, with round-trip economy fares from London to Bangkok now ranging between £1,150 to £1,400 (approximately US$1,450 to US$1,770) on direct carriers such as Thai Airways or EVA Air. This marks a doubling of prices from 2019. Even routes with stopovers on airlines like Qatar Airways or Emirates begin at £850 (about US$1,070), highlighting the growing financial barrier for international visitors.
The price surge is driven by a combination of factors. A Russian airspace ban has forced airlines to take longer flight routes, increasing fuel and crew costs.
For instance, a flight from Helsinki to Bangkok that once took 9.5 hours now stretches to nearly 13 hours. Thai Airways has also faced challenges due to a shortage of wide-body aircraft, with the airline having retired its jumbo jets during the pandemic and still awaiting replacements. Meanwhile, peak-season demand from Europeans looking to escape winter has further inflated prices, with the situation unlikely to ease soon as the airspace issue remains unresolved and new planes take years to arrive.
For those seeking cheaper options, discounted fares known as ‘Superdeals’ offer savings of 40–80% off standard prices. These deals, often available through Air Traveler Club (ATC), provide round-trip fares starting at about €250 (US$270), compared to the usual €700+ (US$760) economy fare.
Travelers are also advised to look at alternative routes and carriers, such as Turkish Airlines, which offers cheaper fares from secondary cities like Manchester, Lyon, and Hamburg, along with a free hotel stay for 20–24 hour layovers through its ‘Touristanbul’ program. European carriers such as Finnair, Lufthansa, and KLM sell ‘Light’ fares with no checked baggage, while Gulf carriers include 25–30kg of luggage. Travelers are encouraged to compare final prices, including luggage costs, to get the best deal.
Additional travel tips include being aware of motorbike insurance exclusions, which require a home-country motorcycle license and an International Driving Permit. At Suvarnabhumi (BKK) airport, immigration wait times can exceed 90 minutes during European arrival banks (12 PM–3 PM), with a ‘Fast Track’ option available for €35–45 (about US$38–49). Thailand has also extended its visa exemption to 60 days for citizens of 93 countries, with an option to extend by 30 days for 1,900 THB (about US$54).
The country rolled out an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system in 2025. Looking ahead, the article notes that prices may ease only slightly after the holiday rush, as the airspace issue is unlikely to resolve soon and new planes take years to arrive.
