Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently announced a significant new route development – Belavia, a Belavia airline, launched its inaugural direct flight from Minsk to Pattaya on January 9th at 12:00 PM, landing at U-Tapao Ao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport. Belavia now plans two direct routes to Thailand. In addition to the Pattaya route, which has already commenced, the Minsk-Phuket route will also complete its inaugural flight on January 12th at 12:25 PM. The opening of these two new routes significantly improves the connectivity of long-haul routes in Thailand, precisely aligning with the TAT's strategy of focusing on developing airlines and helping Thailand expand its route network to high-value emerging markets in Europe, including Belarus.
The TAT held a special welcoming ceremony to celebrate the inaugural flight. His Excellency Uladimir Balavikul, Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to Thailand (Permanent Representative to Hanoi), Ms. Surada Saruthiravan, Director General of Europe for the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and representatives from public-private partnerships in the Thai tourism industry jointly welcomed Belavia and its first passengers.
Ms. Surada Saruthiravan stated at the ceremony that Belavia's launch of direct flights to Pattaya and Phuket not only expands Thailand's long-haul route network but also opens a new gateway to the potential European market. With continuously growing tourism demand in this market, the launch of these routes will strongly promote the implementation of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's aviation strategy. She added that direct flights to Thailand's core beach resorts are crucial for maintaining Thailand's global tourism competitiveness and ensuring that Thailand continues to be a preferred leisure destination for discerning long-stay travelers.
It is understood that Belavia, established in 1996, is the national airline of Belarus and currently operates flights to more than 50 destinations worldwide, with a focus on Russia and other Eastern European countries. The two newly opened direct flights to Thailand provide Belarusian citizens with more convenient options for traveling to Asia and are an important supplement to the airline's existing long-haul route network – which already operates long-haul flights to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Previously, Belarusian tourists traveling to Thailand had to depart from Minsk and transit through Russia or Dubai, significantly limiting travel convenience.
