LOT Polish Airlines has officially launched nonstop flights between Warsaw Chopin Airport and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, marking the carrier's first scheduled service to Southeast Asia. The inaugural flight, LO65, touched down in Bangkok to a welcome led by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), underscoring the route's strategic importance for both Polish aviation and Thai tourism.
The new connection is timed to capture peak year-end travel demand and is expected to draw higher-spending, longer-stay visitors from Poland and the broader Central European region. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the route "reflects TAT's direction to turn stronger air access into higher tourism value," aligning with the authority's push to attract quality travellers and spread tourism revenue beyond Bangkok.
Schedule and capacity
Initially, LOT will operate the Warsaw–Bangkok sector three times weekly—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—through 25 October 2026. From 26 October 2026 to March 2027, frequency rises to five flights per week, providing up to 1,260 inbound seats weekly. This direct link offers a viable alternative to one-stop itineraries via hubs such as Dubai, Doha, or Frankfurt, strengthening Bangkok's role as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
The route also opens new possibilities for Polish and Central European travellers to connect onward to other Asian destinations, while giving Thai outbound passengers a direct option to Poland and onward European connections via LOT's Warsaw hub.
Market growth and familiarisation push
Poland has emerged as a robust source market for Thailand. Official figures show 237,570 Polish visitors in 2025, a 31.46% increase year-on-year. TAT projects approximately 250,000 Polish arrivals in 2026, with popular destinations including Bangkok, Chonburi, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui.
To capitalise on this momentum, TAT's Prague office organised a familiarisation trip for Polish tour operators, media, and LOT executives. The initiative aims to showcase Thai tourism products, strengthen trade partnerships, and stimulate demand from Poland and the wider Central European region.
The launch comes as Bangkok's hospitality scene continues to evolve, with new offerings such as a Super Tuscan wine dinner at Kimpton Maa-Lai and river-based art itineraries tied to the Bangkok Art Biennale catering to the upscale traveller segment that LOT's new service is designed to attract.
For travel agents and tour operators, the direct flights simplify itinerary planning and reduce travel time, making Thailand a more compelling proposition for Polish leisure and business clients. The increased frequency during the winter season aligns with European demand for tropical escapes.
LOT's move also reflects a broader trend of Central European carriers expanding into Asia. The airline's decision to serve Bangkok first among Southeast Asian destinations signals confidence in Thailand's long-term tourism appeal and its potential as a regional hub.
With the route now operational, stakeholders across the travel value chain—from airlines and airports to hotels and ground operators—will be watching load factors and yield performance closely. The success of this service could pave the way for additional Southeast Asian destinations from Warsaw in the coming years.
