The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has hailed the launch of three new Japan–Bangkok flight routes operated by Thai AirAsia X and Thai Lion Air as a major milestone in regional connectivity and tourism growth.
The new direct services from Sendai, Hokkaido, and Osaka are set to strengthen Thailand’s access to one of its most valuable international markets and boost year-end travel demand.
Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and the South Pacific), said: “These new connections demonstrate our airline partners’ confidence in Thailand’s strong tourism appeal. Expanded air access is vital for maintaining and growing travel flows from Japan, especially among younger travellers seeking authentic, high-quality experiences.”
Thai AirAsia X inaugurated its Sendai–Bangkok service on December 1, operating four weekly flights. The inaugural flight carried over 100 youth football players from Japan’s Tohoku region, marking the start of TAT’s “Enjoy Training in Thailand” initiative, which promotes Thailand as a year-round warm-weather destination for youth sports and training programs.
Thai Lion Air launched two additional routes the Hokkaido–Bangkok service (three times weekly) and Osaka–Bangkok service (four times weekly) further enhancing flight options between Japan’s major cities and Bangkok.
Japan remains a top source market for Thailand, generating nearly 986,000 visitors between January and November 2025, up 4.16% year-on-year. The average Japanese traveller spends 39,000 Baht per trip with an average stay of 6 days, visiting popular destinations such as Bangkok, Chon Buri, Phuket, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai.
TAT’s strategy aims to deepen engagement with both traditional tourists and new segments, including Millennial and Gen Z travellers, by expanding airline partnerships and seat capacity. With the latest routes, Thailand is well on track to surpass one million Japanese arrivals by the end of 2025, reinforcing its status as a preferred destination for Japanese visitors.
