FAA Upgrades Thailand to Category 1, Restores US Flight Operations

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has upgraded Thailand's aviation safety rating to Category 1, confirming that the country now meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards after years of regulatory improvements. This upgrade reverses a 2015 downgrade to Category 2, which was due to deficiencies in Thailand's aviation oversight, such as gaps in laws and a shortage of qualified flight inspectors. The new Category 1 status allows Thai airlines to resume or expand direct flights to the United States and potentially to other countries that reference FAA safety ratings. The move is expected to boost Thailand’s aviation industry, enhance international confidence in its safety standards, and benefit both tourism and global connectivity. Thai officials and industry experts view the upgrade as a major positive development, creating more opportunities for airlines and pilots and offering travelers greater choice and peace of mind.