The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has upgraded Thailand's air safety rating from Category 2 to Category 1, paving the way for airlines originated from Thailand to resume direct flights to the United States.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit informed the Cabinet of the decision by the FAA to move Thailand back to the group of Category 1 countries, which are recognized for their compliance with international civil aviation safety standards.

Thailand was placed in Category 2 in 2015. Mr. Suriya said that the upgrade was good news for Thailand’s aviation industry, as it allows Thai airlines to open or expand flight routes between Thailand and the United States.

Moreover, he said, both existing and new Thai airlines would be able to increase flight frequencies to countries that are signed up to the FAA safety assessment, such as South Korea and Japan. This will offer more travel options for Thai passengers, including diverse flight routes, schedules, and competitive airfares. Airfares, in particular, is likely to become lower, while travel will be more convenient.

In addition, Thai pilots will have greater job opportunities in international airlines that previously rejected them because of Thailand’s Category 2 status. Thai aviation personnel will also benefit from skill development at the international level in the long run.

Mr. Suriya believed that the Category 1 status would promote a favorable image of Thailand, enhance confidence in the country’s aviation industry among international tourists, and lead to more tourist arrivals and employment opportunities in aviation, tourism, and other related sectors.

He explained that the FAA had conducted a review of Thai aviation standards with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) in November 2024. The CAAT has improved technical and safety regulations, in accordance with the Corrective Action Plan. Following final discussions on 10-12 March 2025, the FAA confirmed that Thailand had successfully addressed previous safety concerns, thus leading to the upgrade of its air safety rating from Category 2 to Category 1.