It would be ideal if Thailand’s tropical beaches and idyllic islands could be reached on direct flights from South Africa.
In an interview with Thai news publication, The Bangkok Post, South Africa’s ambassador Darkey Africa said that tourism flows between South Africa and Thailand could be increased with the introduction of direct flights.
Africa reflected on three decades of successful bilateral relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Thailand.
RESTART OF DIRECT FLIGHTS
During the interview, Africa called for the restart of direct flights between the two countries.
“We hope Thai Airways and South African Airways, which are national carriers, would consider the prospect of connectivity between the two countries.”
Africa said.
However, Africa stated that it was up to governments to make direct connections economically sustainable for airlines.
TOURIST DESTINATION
Thailand, with its diverse range of attractions, has long been a dream destination for millions of tourists.
The country has frequently been nominated as one of the world’s prime tourist destinations.
Direct flights might be profitable given the desirability of Thailand as a holiday destination for South Africans.
The country offers visa-free entry as well as a favourable exchange rate, making holidays in Thailand a cost-effective option for South African nationals.
SOUTH AFRICA-THAILAND FLIGHTS
South African Airways previously operated direct flights to the Thai capital, Bangkok. However, it dropped the route in the late 1990s.
Thailand’s national carrier, Thai Airways International introduced scheduled flights to Johannesburg in the early 2000s.
It operated 4 services a week on the route. However, in late 2014 the airline terminated its only African route.
Thai Airways International cited profitability as the reason.
THAILAND TOURISM
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand was the world’s eighth most visited country per World Tourism rankings compiled by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
In 2019 Thailand received 39.8 million international tourists, ahead of the United Kingdom and Germany.
Thailand also reported the fourth-highest international tourism earnings at 60.5 billion US Dollars in 2019.
