Thailands Aviation Safety Rating Upgraded to Category 1 by FAA, Opening Doors for U.S. Flights

BANGKOK, April 22, 2025 — The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially restored Thailand’s aviation safety rating to Category 1, stating that the country now complies with international civil aviation safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The announcement, made today by Thailand’s Ministry of Transport, reversed a downgrade to Category 2 in 2015 that stemmed from 36 safety oversight deficiencies.

The upgrade clears the way for Thai airlines, including Thai Airways, to resume direct flights to the United States for the first time in nearly a decade. It also enables expanded services to other countries, such as South Korea, that align their aviation standards with FAA assessments. This development is expected to boost Thailand’s tourism and business sectors by simplifying travel and building stronger economic ties with the U.S. and beyond.

Thailand’s 2015 downgrade followed an FAA audit that identified critical gaps in the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand’s (CAAT) oversight, including what they said was insufficient legal authority, inadequate numbers of qualified flight inspectors, and conflicts of interest in its dual role as regulator and airport operator. These issues, compounded by an ICAO audit highlighting similar concerns, barred Thai carriers from launching new U.S. routes and disrupted codeshare agreements with American airlines.

Since then, the CAAT has undertaken extensive reforms, addressing all 36 deficiencies through legislative changes, increased staffing, and enhanced inspection protocols. A five-day FAA audit in November 2024 found only minor issues, and a final evaluation in March 2025 confirmed Thailand’s compliance, paving the way for today’s upgrade. Transport Permanent Secretary Chayatan Phromsorn confirmed the CAAT’s decade-long effort to meet global standards, noting that the Category 1 status reflects Thailand’s commitment to aviation safety.

“This is a proud moment for Thailand’s aviation industry,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. “Regaining Category 1 status not only restores our global reputation but also opens new opportunities for Thai airlines and travelers.”

The reinstatement is expected to have immediate impacts. Thai Airways, which ceased U.S. operations in 2015, is reportedly planning to relaunch direct routes from Bangkok to cities like Los Angeles and New York. The upgrade also positions Thailand to attract more U.S. tourists, with the country targeting 1.13 million American visitors in 2025 through enhanced travel connectivity and visa-free policies.

Aviation experts caution that maintaining Category 1 status requires ongoing adherence to ICAO standards, but for now, Thailand’s aviation sector is poised for growth.

Travelers to and from the US especially can anticipate shorter travel times and greater convenience as direct flights resume.