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FAA reinstating Thailand Cat 1 air safety rating
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to restore the Category 1 safety rating for Thailand in early 2025.
That is expected to signal the return of direct flights between the US and Thailand.
The FAA downgraded Thailand’s safety rating in 2015.
The federal agency completed an audit of Thailand’s aviation safety last month, with it meeting the required international safety standards.
An official announcement about the upgrade is expected in February 2025 the Bangkok Post reports.
A Cat 1 status upgrade would allow Thai carriers such as Thai Airways to operate direct US flights.
Thai Airways previously flew from Bangkok to New York JFK and Los Angeles.
United Airlines hinted a couple of months ago it could launch Bangkok flights.
Transport Secretary Chayatan Phromsorn said the Thai aviation regulator was assessed during a five-day audit last month and major ICAO compliance issues have been resolved.
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