Norse Atlantic Airways is significantly expanding its Thailand programme for the Winter 2026/27 season, adding a new London Gatwick–Phuket route and increasing flights to Bangkok and Phuket from the United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden.
The expanded schedule is designed to meet strong winter demand for Southeast Asian holidays while improving direct access to two of Thailand’s most important tourism destinations. Phuket will gain a new three-times-weekly service from London Gatwick, while Manchester–Bangkok flights will rise to four weekly departures from December 2026.
Norse will also increase capacity from Oslo and Stockholm, with Bangkok services operating up to five times weekly from each Scandinavian capital. Phuket frequencies from both Oslo and Stockholm will rise to as many as two flights per week.
The move will provide more direct options for travelers from Britain and Scandinavia while supporting Thailand’s hotels, resorts, restaurants, tour operators and local transport businesses during the peak European winter travel season.
London Gatwick Gains New Direct Phuket Service
The new London Gatwick to Phuket route will operate three times weekly, creating another nonstop link between the United Kingdom and Thailand’s leading island destination.
Phuket remains one of Southeast Asia’s most popular winter sun markets, attracting visitors with its beaches, resorts, marine attractions, nightlife and access to nearby islands. Direct flights can make the destination more attractive to travelers seeking to avoid connections in Bangkok, the Middle East or other Asian hubs.
The service is also expected to support tour operators and accommodation providers by increasing available capacity from the UK market. British travelers represent an important source of long-stay and high-value demand for Thailand, particularly during the colder months in Europe.
Norse will continue operating its existing London Gatwick services to Bangkok and Cape Town, maintaining a broader winter network from its main UK base.
Manchester to Bangkok Flights Increase
Norse Atlantic will raise its Manchester to Bangkok schedule to four weekly flights from December 2026, strengthening Thailand connectivity for travelers across northern England.
The route offers an alternative to itineraries requiring a transfer through London or another international hub. Increased frequency will also provide greater flexibility for passengers planning holidays, extended stays, business trips or visits to friends and relatives.
Bangkok serves as both a destination and a gateway to the rest of Thailand. Travelers arriving in the capital can connect by air, rail or road to Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, Krabi and other tourism centers.
The additional services could also support Manchester Airport’s role as a major long-haul gateway outside London, giving travelers from northern and central Britain more direct access to Asia.
Oslo and Stockholm Receive Major Capacity Boost
Norse’s Scandinavian schedule will expand substantially, with Oslo–Bangkok and Stockholm–Bangkok services increasing to as many as five weekly flights.
Flights from Oslo and Stockholm to Phuket will operate up to twice weekly, allowing Norwegian and Swedish travelers to choose between Thailand’s capital and its leading beach destination.
Thailand has traditionally attracted strong winter demand from Scandinavia, with many visitors staying for longer periods than short-haul European tourists. These travelers contribute to hotels, serviced apartments, restaurants, wellness businesses, golf courses and regional attractions.
Greater nonstop capacity may also encourage repeat visitors to explore destinations beyond Bangkok and Phuket, including Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Krabi, Koh Samui and northern Thailand.
Dual-Destination Strategy Supports Wider Tourism Economy
By expanding services to both Bangkok and Phuket, Norse is targeting two different but complementary tourism markets.
Bangkok offers cultural attractions, shopping, dining, nightlife, business travel and domestic connections. Phuket provides direct access to beaches, island resorts and marine tourism across southern Thailand.
This dual-city approach can spread visitor spending across a wider range of tourism businesses. Bangkok hotels and city attractions may benefit from increased stopover demand, while Phuket resorts and local operators gain additional direct international arrivals.
The schedule also gives travelers more flexibility to create open-jaw itineraries, arriving in Bangkok and departing from Phuket or completing the journey in the opposite direction.
Affordable Long-Haul Capacity Could Broaden Demand
Norse Atlantic’s low-cost long-haul model may make Thailand more accessible to travelers who are sensitive to airfare but still want nonstop services.
Additional capacity can place competitive pressure on fares, particularly during periods when winter demand pushes ticket prices higher. More frequent flights also give tour operators greater flexibility when packaging accommodation, transfers and activities.
However, travelers should carefully review fare conditions, baggage allowances, seat selection costs and onboard service inclusions before booking. Low-cost long-haul fares may not include the same services as traditional full-service airline tickets.
Winter 2026 Outlook for Thailand Tourism
The Winter 2026/27 expansion strengthens Thailand’s air links with three important European source markets at a time when demand for warm-weather, long-haul holidays remains strong.
Phuket is positioned to benefit from the new Gatwick service and added Scandinavian flights, while Bangkok will gain higher frequencies from Manchester, Oslo and Stockholm.
For Thailand’s tourism industry, the expansion means more potential visitors, stronger seasonal capacity and wider access to European markets. For travelers, it delivers more direct choices and improved schedule flexibility during one of the busiest periods for Southeast Asian tourism.
Norse Atlantic’s expanded programme confirms Thailand’s growing importance within the airline’s network and reinforces Bangkok and Phuket as major winter destinations for UK and Scandinavian travelers.
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