In short
- London Gatwick–Phuket: three direct flights a week, December 2026 to mid-April 2027
- London Gatwick–Bangkok: three a week from October 2026, four a week from December 2026 to mid-April 2027
- Manchester–Bangkok: four flights a week planned for the 2026-27 winter season
- TAT and Norse Atlantic are running the joint UK campaign from September to November 2026
What to do
- 1Check the exact days of the week on the Norse Atlantic Airways website or with your agent before booking transfers or onward travel.
- 2Compare the new Gatwick–Phuket service with routes that connect through Bangkok before choosing your departure airport.
- 3Verify frequencies with the airline or your departure airport closer to departure, since the schedule is an announced plan.
- 4Check your travel insurance covers the new routing if you book flights and transfers separately.
What is changing?
Norse Atlantic Airways will open a direct route between London Gatwick and Phuket, with three flights a week from December 2026 to mid-April 2027, according to the Bangkok Post. The same report says the airline's existing Gatwick–Bangkok service runs three times a week from October 2026 and rises to four weekly flights from December 2026 to mid-April 2027.
| Route | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|
| London Gatwick – Bangkok | 3 flights a week | from October 2026 |
| London Gatwick – Bangkok | 4 flights a week | December 2026 to mid-April 2027 |
| London Gatwick – Phuket | 3 flights a week | December 2026 to mid-April 2027 |
| Manchester – Bangkok | 4 flights a week | 2026-27 winter season |
The winter 2026-27 schedule also provides four weekly flights between Manchester and Bangkok, the Bangkok Post reports. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is promoting these UK routes in a joint online campaign with the airline that runs from September to November 2026 and targets travel in late 2026 and early 2027; TAT says the campaign has produced more than 22,000 engagements and over one million views. Journey times and onward transfers on the Andaman coast are set out in our Bangkok to Phuket guide.
Who is affected?
- Travellers flying from the United Kingdom to Phuket between December 2026 and mid-April 2027, who gain a direct option from Gatwick.
- Passengers on Gatwick–Bangkok, where capacity rises to four weekly flights during the winter peak.
- Manchester–Bangkok passengers, with four weekly flights planned for the 2026-27 winter season.
The campaign targets the British market, so travellers leaving from other countries see no change at their own departure airports. On arrival in Phuket, our airport guide covers transfers to Phuket Town, Patong and Kata, and when to go helps with the season.
What does not change?
Nothing in the report changes entry rules. Visa exemptions, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card and immigration procedures stay as they are, and no schedule change is announced for other airlines.
Travelling soon? Plan around it
Build a day-by-day Thailand route that keeps flexible days where the weather and transport are uncertain.
FAQ
Questions
When does the Gatwick–Phuket flight start?
Norse Atlantic Airways plans three flights a week from December 2026 to mid-April 2027, according to the Bangkok Post.
How often will Gatwick–Bangkok operate?
Three weekly flights from October 2026, then four a week from December 2026 to mid-April 2027.
Is the Manchester–Bangkok route changing?
It is scheduled to run four weekly flights through the 2026-27 winter season, according to the same report.
Do I need a different visa to arrive in Phuket?
No. The new route does not change visa or entry rules for Thailand.
Sources
We cross-check each story against official pages and several media, and rewrite it in our own words for travellers.
