Thailand launches three inaugural Japan-Bangkok flights

Thailand has announced three inaugural Japan–Bangkok services operated by Thai AirAsia X and Thai Lion Air, connecting to Sendai, Hokkaido and Osaka.

The flights are expected to expand short-haul access into the Kingdom, targeting Millennial and Gen Z travellers who are visiting Thailand for the first time in particular.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said the Kingdom recorded a 4.16% YoY increase in Japanese visitors from 2024, alongside “rising interest among younger Japanese travellers,” noted Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific.

Thai AirAsia X kickstarted its four-times-weekly Sendai–Bangkok route on 1 December, carrying over 100 youth football players from the Tohoku region for trainings and matches.

Thai Lion Air will fly three-times-weekly on the Hokkaido–Bangkok route, and four-times-weekly on the Osaka–Bangkok route.

Five South Korean carriers will add Starlink to their fleets starting 2026.

Qatar returns to Canberra; Major South Korean airlines join Starlink

Starting 2 December, Qatar Airways has resumed its daily service to the Australian capital via Melbourne, bringing its network to six cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide.

All Qatar flights will include complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi services.

Meanwhile, Korean Air, alongside Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul, will introduce Starlink to its entire fleet, starting with tests this year. Rollout schedules will vary by carrier, with the earliest service introduction expected in 3Q 2026.

Jetstar crew on inaugural flights from Australia to the Philippines.

Jetstar now connecting Cebu to Brisbane

Jetstar launched its inaugural four-times-weekly Cebu–Brisbane flight on 3 December, the first low-cost carrier to do so.

This follows another new three-times-weekly Manila–Perth route launched a week prior.

Jetstar Group CEO Stephanie Tully expects to fly over two million people to and from Queensland throughout December and January.

Air France arrival in Phuket.

Air France opens new Paris-Phuket route

The carrier has introduced Phuket as its second Thai destination this winter, offering three weekly non-stop return flights from Paris.

Together with KLM, the two airlines offer 27 weekly flights to the Kingdom.