First flight of the restored direct Brussels-Bangkok connection took off

“This daily direct connection to Bangkok strengthens our position as a European hub and offers our passengers even more travel options to Asia,” said airport CEO Arnaud Feist. “Bangkok was and is one of our most important destinations, and one of our largest long-distance connections. Every year, around 200,000 passengers depart from Brussels Airport to Bangkok, and for Thai passengers our airport offers an ideal gateway to the rest of Europe. In addition, the connection with Bangkok provides access to the entire South Asia and Pacific region.”

“The ties between Belgium and the Thai kingdom have existed for more than 150 years and have been exceptionally good for all that time,” said Federal Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. “It has been a long four years due to the Covid pandemic and other international crises, and we are very pleased that this daily connection is being restored. Bangkok is the second largest non-European destination for Belgian tourists, the second largest group of VIP visitors to Tomorrowland come from Thailand, but there are also strong economic ties. For example, Lotus recently opened its new Asian headquarters in Bangkok.”

As is tradition, the plane received a water salute upon departure by the fire brigade at Brussels Airport. Rainwater was used for this.