Ekniti pushes for Bangkok-Auckland flights and Air NZ code-share

Khaosod•Economy•5d ago

Reader Briefing

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithandprapas is pushing for the return of direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland earlier than the planned 2028 deadline.

•Ekniti Nitithandprapas visited NZAero at Ardmore Airport in Auckland, New Zealand, on August 21, 2026.
•The Thai government aims to restore direct Bangkok-Auckland flights sooner than the original 2028 timeframe set by Thai Airways.
•Ekniti Nitithandprapas proposed a code-share agreement between Thai Airways and Air New Zealand.

Overview

•Ekniti Nitithandprapas visited NZAero at Ardmore Airport, Auckland, New Zealand, on August 21, 2026.
•Ekniti Nitithandprapas stated that direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland could potentially return sooner than the 2028 timeframe previously set by Thai Airways.
•Ekniti Nitithandprapas noted that direct flights would increase convenience for business, tourism, trade, and people-to-people relations between Thailand and New Zealand.
•The Thai government has instructed the Permanent Secretary for Finance to coordinate with Auckland Airport executives regarding the early allocation and reservation of flight slots.
•Ekniti Nitithandprapas suggested a code-share cooperation between Thai Airways and Air New Zealand, as both are members of the Star Alliance.
•Christopher Luxon, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, previously served as the CEO of Air New Zealand and understands the aviation business structure and the potential of the Thai-New Zealand route.
•Ekniti Nitithandprapas stated that an earlier return of direct flights would support economic cooperation in tourism, agriculture, food, clean energy, and investment.

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Key Quotes

Ekniti Nitithandprapas

"We see an opportunity to work together in the form of a code-share rather than seeing it as competition, as it will benefit both sides as a win-win and make travel, trade, investment, and tourism between Thailand and New Zealand more convenient."

เราเห็นโอกาสที่จะทำงานร่วมกันในลักษณะ Code-share มากกว่าการมองเป็นการแข่งขัน เพราะจะเกิดประโยชน์ทั้ง 2 ฝ่าย เป็น Win-win และช่วยให้การเดินทาง การค้า การลงทุน และการท่องเที่ยวระหว่างไทยกับนิวซีแลนด์เชื่อมถึงกันได้สะดวกขึ้น

Key Entities

Person

Ekniti Nitithandprapas(เอกนิติ นิติทัณฑ์ประภาศ)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Thailand.

Christopher Luxon(คริสโตเฟอร์ ลักซอน)ℹ️

Prime Minister of New Zealand and former CEO of Air New Zealand.

Organization

Thai Airways(การบินไทย)ℹ️

A Thai airline that previously planned to reopen the Bangkok-Auckland route in 2028.

Air New Zealandℹ️

A New Zealand airline and Star Alliance member considered for a code-share agreement with Thai Airways.

NZAeroℹ️

A small aircraft company whose facilities were visited by Ekniti Nitithandprapas.

Star Allianceℹ️

An airline alliance of which both Thai Airways and Air New Zealand are members.

Auckland Airport(ท่าอากาศยานโอ๊คแลนด์)ℹ️

The airport entity tasked with discussing flight slot allocations with the Thai Permanent Secretary for Finance.

Place

Ardmore Airport(ท่าอากาศยาน Ardmore)

An airport in Auckland, New Zealand, where NZAero is located.

Auckland(โอ๊คแลนด์)ℹ️

A city in New Zealand and a destination for direct flights from Bangkok.

New Zealand(นิวซีแลนด์)ℹ️

A country cooperating with Thailand on aviation, trade, and tourism.

Bangkok(กรุงเทพฯ)ℹ️

The capital of Thailand and the starting point for direct flights to Auckland.