Potential launches are expected in the upcoming summer scheduling period, said Anake Teeraviwatchai, AoT’s senior executive vice president for corporate strategy and a member of Thailand’s Slot Coordination Committee, reports the Bangkok Post.
Mr Anake represented the organisation at the 157th IATA Slot Conference, held from Nov 18-20 in Lisbon, Portugal. The conference supports the global slot-allocation process for the Summer 2026 scheduling season and promotes route-network expansion across AoT’s six airports.
This year’s event drew more than 1,300 participants from over 300 airports and more than 250 airlines worldwide.
AoT held discussions with a range of leading carriers, including British Airways, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic UK, ITA Airways, Air New Zealand, Norse Atlantic Airlines, El Al Israel Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, T’way Air and Jeju Air, Mr Anake noted.
Talks centred on airport-capacity data and the potential for launching new routes.
The negotiations signalled strong momentum for expanding Thailand’s international connectivity, particularly through new direct routes from North America and Europe.
Several airlines are assessing the feasibility for inclusion in the next scheduling period.
Japanese carriers also expressed interest in operating direct flights to Phuket and Chiang Mai, while Middle Eastern airlines showed interest in new routes to Hat Yai airport.