Dubai International Airport (DXB)-based Emirates Airlines has announced that it is returning its flagship Airbus A380 service to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). In a company statement released on November 12, 2021, the UAE carrier said that A380 flights between Dubai and Bangkok would resume on November 28, 2021.

By returning its superjumbo jet to the route, Emirates will be able to accommodate an uptick in demand for flights following Thailand's decision to open up the popular tourist destination to fully vaccinated visitors. In its statement, Emirates says that the daily A380 flights between the Gulf state and Thailand will add much need capacity on the route.

The A380 will complement existing flights to Thailand

Emirates flight numbers EK372 and EK373 will complement the existing services, EK384 and EK385, operating daily with a Boeing 777-300ER. These two flights will be in addition to Emirates flight numbers EK378 and EK379, which fly five times a week to Bangkok via the holiday island of Phuket.

Emirates A380 flight number EK372 will depart Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 09:30 and arrive in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) at 18:40. The return flight back to Dubai Emirates flight number EK373 will depart Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) at 20:35 and arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 00:50 the next day.

Emirates A380 Economy
The A380 flights will complement existing flights to the Thai capital. Photo: Emirates

When the A380 Dubai to Bangkok flights launch on November 28, 2021, Emirates will offer three daily flights for passengers traveling to and from Bangkok. In the company, statement Emirates said that it is pleased to help Thailand's tourism industry recover from the downturn brought about by the coronavirus.

By adding the Airbus A380, the increased capacity on the route will be welcomed by holidaymakers who want to travel to the Thai capital from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The airline also said that the additional capacity will offer Emirates customers more choice, convenient timings, and seamless connectivity from its hub in Dubai. By adding the A380 flights on the Dubai to Bangkok route and the flights to Bangkok via Phuket, Emirates is providing an additional 8,600 seats per week.

Thailand lifted restrictions for non-Thai nationals

In a move designed to help revive Thailand's battered tourism industry, the Thai government decided to open up the country to fully vaccinated travelers on November 1, 2021. The criteria set for overseas visitors were that they must arrive in Thailand by air, have proof that they are fully vaccinated, and have tested negative for COVID-19.

Emirates A380
Tourists need $50,000 in medical insurance to visit Thailand. Photo: Emirates

By imposing some of the world's strictest COVID-19 quarantine requirements, Thailand was able to keep coronavirus outbreaks under control. However, it did come at a staggering cost to the country's economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism. According to a report from newswire service Reuters, Thailand lost $50 billion in revenue generated by tourism, an 82% plunge.

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Thailand entry requirements

People wishing to visit Thailand can now come without having to stay in quarantine. There are, however, requirements that must be met, which include:

  • Anyone wishing to visit Thailand must apply for a "Thailand Pass" before their journey
  • Proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure
  • Proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by an approved vaccine which includes, CoronaVac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer–BioNTech, Janssen, Moderna, Sinopharm, and Sputnik V
  • People arriving in Thailand will have to take a PCR test at the airport and then a self-testing Antigen Rapid Test on day six or seven after their arrival
  • Proof of medical insurance up to $50,000 that covers COVID-19 treatment

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