FAA Upgrades Thai Aviation Safety to Category 1

‍DALLAS — Direct services between the US and Thailand will resume after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) upgraded Thailand's aviation safety to Category 1.

The FAA has moved Thailand from Category 2 back to Category 1. Countries in Category 1 are deemed to comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards, while Category 2 countries do not.

Thailand’s upgrade allows for the restart of nonstop or direct flights between the two nations. The FAA moved Thailand to Category 2 in 2015. This was when it found the country’s aviation sector lacking in safety standards. At the time, Thailand was downgraded due to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand's inability to enforce technical and safety regulations. 

According to the Bangkok Post, the FAA reviewed Thai aviation standards with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand last November and confirmed in exchanges in March that Thailand had addressed these concerns.

Restart of direct Flights

The change paves the way for US carriers to resume direct flights into Thailand. Thailand’s Minister of Transport, Suriya Jungrungruangkit, said that this upgrade will benefit airlines in Thailand as they may now resume or extend their flight routes from Thailand to the US. 

“This is good news for the aviation industry of Thailand.” Jungrungruangkit said.

In addition, this is positive news for travellers flying into and out of Thailand as it gives them peace of mind and added confidence in Thailand’s safety standards. Furthermore, having direct flights between Thailand and the US will benefit Thailand’s tourism economy. More tourists will be able to fly conveniently between the two countries

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