New UK to Bangkok Flights 2026: Norse Atlantic, British Airways & More

2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for UK travellers heading to Thailand. Norse Atlantic Airways has launched the first-ever direct Manchester to Bangkok route, while British Airways is adding nearly 60,000 extra seats. Here's everything you need to know about the new routes, schedules, and how to find the best fares.

Quick Summary: New 2026 Routes

Norse Atlantic: London Gatwick & Manchester → Bangkok (year-round from April 2026)
British Airways: Gatwick → Bangkok upgraded to year-round, +60,000 seats
Cheapest fares: From £385 one-way, £523 return
Flight time: 11h 15m direct

Norse Atlantic Airways: The New Budget Option

Norwegian low-cost long-haul carrier Norse Atlantic Airways has transformed UK-Thailand travel with two groundbreaking routes launched in October 2025:

London Gatwick → Bangkok

4-5 flights per week (Dec-Apr)
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
338 seats per flight
Year-round from April 2026

Manchester → Bangkok

FIRST EVER direct route!
Weekly flights through March 2026
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Perfect for Northern England travellers

The Manchester route is particularly significant—it's the first-ever direct connection between Manchester and Bangkok, which Norse describes as "the region's largest underserved long-haul market." Previously, Manchester passengers had to connect via London, Dubai, or other hubs, adding hours to their journey.

British Airways: Major Expansion

British Airways has announced significant expansion of its Bangkok services for 2026:

Year-round service: London Gatwick to Bangkok upgraded from winter-only to year-round
Summer 2026: 3 flights per week
Winter 2026/27: 6 flights per week
Capacity: Nearly 60,000 additional seats for Bangkok travellers
Connections: Codeshare with Bangkok Airways for easy connections to Phuket, Koh Samui, and Phnom Penh

Price Comparison: UK to Bangkok 2026

Airline	Route	From (Return)	Flight Time
Norse Atlantic	LGW → BKK	~£400	11h 15m
Norse Atlantic	MAN → BKK	~£420	11h 30m
British Airways	LGW → BKK	£630+	11h 15m
British Airways	LHR → BKK	£650+	11h 25m
Thai Airways	LHR → BKK	£700+	11h 20m
EVA Air	LHR → BKK (via TPE)	£854+	15h+

Money-Saving Tip

Book 6-8 weeks before travel for the best prices. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically 10-15% cheaper than weekend flights. Set up price alerts to catch flash sales.

Best Time to Fly UK to Bangkok

Thailand's peak tourist season runs from November to February, coinciding with cooler, dry weather. However, this also means higher airfares. Here's how prices typically vary:

Cheapest: May-June, September-October (monsoon season, but Bangkok stays relatively dry)
Mid-range: March-April, November
Most expensive: December-February (peak season), July-August (school holidays)

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Norse Atlantic start flying to Bangkok?

Norse Atlantic Airways launched its London Gatwick to Bangkok route on 26 October 2025. The Manchester to Bangkok route, the first-ever direct connection between these cities, started the same month. Both routes operate through the winter season and will become year-round from April 2026.

How much are flights from UK to Bangkok in 2026?

Prices vary by airline and class. Norse Atlantic offers competitive fares from around £400 return. British Airways starts from £385 one-way or £630 return. EVA Air via Taipei starts from £854 return in economy. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for the best deals.

Which UK airports have direct flights to Bangkok?

London Heathrow (LHR) has the most options with British Airways, Thai Airways, and EVA Air. London Gatwick (LGW) now offers Norse Atlantic and British Airways flights. Manchester (MAN) has its first-ever direct Bangkok route with Norse Atlantic as of 2025.

How long is the flight from UK to Bangkok?

Direct flights from London to Bangkok take approximately 11 hours 15 minutes. The return journey is slightly longer at around 12 hours due to prevailing winds. Connecting flights via hubs like Taipei (EVA Air) or Dubai (Emirates) add 3-6 hours to total travel time.

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