Thailand Boosts Air Connectivity with Norway and Sweden Via Norse Atlantic’s Upcoming Direct Winter Flights from Oslo And Stockholm to Phuket Launching This December – Travel And Tour World

Thailand will significantly improve its air connections with Northern Europe with the launch of winter direct flights by Oslo and Stockholm-based Norse Atlantic Airways to Phuket from this December. This is a very timely lift to travel links between Scandinavia and Thailand with demand for winter sunshine spots at a record high. With the launch of affordable, direct service from Norway and Sweden to Phuket, one of the most sought-after holiday spots in Southeast Asia, Thailand is affirming its position as a top-of-the-range long-haul holiday destination among Europeans while further pursuing its overall tourism recovery agendas during the peak season.

In a strategic move to capitalize on the increasing winter travel demand to Southeast Asia, Norse Atlantic Airways has unveiled two brand-new direct flight routes connecting Scandinavia with Thailand’s renowned island paradise, Phuket. Starting in December 2025, travelers from Norway and Sweden will be able to enjoy affordable, nonstop service to one of Asia’s most popular tropical destinations.

The two new routes—originating from Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) and Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)—will each operate once weekly throughout the winter travel season, making it easier than ever for Scandinavian holidaymakers to escape the cold and unwind on the beaches of Phuket.

These launches not only mark Norse Atlantic’s continued expansion into Asia, but also reinforce Thailand’s status as a key winter escape for European travelers.

Details of the New Routes

Beginning in early December 2025, Norse Atlantic will commence the following direct routes:

• Oslo (OSL) to Phuket (HKT): Flights will start operating on Monday, December 8, 2025, with one weekly rotation. Introductory fares will begin at NOK 1699, including taxes, offering exceptional value for Norwegian travelers seeking tropical relaxation.
• Stockholm (ARN) to Phuket (HKT): Flights will launch on Thursday, December 4, 2025, also with one weekly rotation. Ticket prices will start at SEK 1600, inclusive of taxes, allowing Swedish passengers affordable access to Thailand’s sun-drenched shores.

These new connections are timed to coincide with the peak winter season, when travel demand from Scandinavia to warmer climates reaches its annual high. Phuket, long a favorite among Nordic tourists, promises a blend of cultural richness, beach life, and culinary adventure.

Meeting High Seasonal Demand for Thailand Travel

Thailand has consistently ranked as one of the top long-haul destinations for Scandinavian travelers. The country’s tropical climate, diverse landscape, and warm hospitality continue to attract leisure tourists, digital nomads, and those visiting friends and family.

With many Northern European cities experiencing extended periods of cold, snow, and limited daylight, the addition of these direct flights provides a convenient and affordable escape to the warmth and vibrancy of Southern Thailand.

Phuket, in particular, is celebrated for its luxurious resorts, world-class beaches, vibrant nightlife, and access to nearby islands such as Phi Phi, Krabi, and Similan. The island’s reputation as a versatile destination—offering both relaxation and adventure—makes it an ideal choice for Norse Atlantic’s winter expansion strategy.

Affordable, Direct, and Comfortable: The Norse Atlantic Advantage

As a long-haul low-cost carrier, Norse Atlantic is committed to making intercontinental travel more accessible. With a growing fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the airline offers a modern onboard experience that balances affordability with comfort.

The cabins are configured to provide spacious seating, in-flight entertainment, and a two-tier ticketing structure: Economy and Norse Premium. Travelers have the flexibility to choose between ultra-low base fares or more inclusive packages with additional baggage, meals, and seat selection.

With inaugural fares set below NOK 1700 and SEK 1600, Norse Atlantic positions its Phuket routes as a budget-friendly alternative to traditional carriers, appealing directly to price-sensitive travelers seeking affordable long-haul options.

Strengthening Ties Between Scandinavia and Southeast Asia

The new routes also reflect the deepening travel and tourism relationship between Scandinavia and Thailand. Pre-pandemic, the two regions enjoyed robust visitor flows, with Thailand emerging as one of the most visited non-European destinations for Swedes and Norwegians.

In fact, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, over 400,000 Scandinavian travelers visited Thailand annually. Direct air access has been a key driver of this trend, and the introduction of these flights by Norse Atlantic is expected to further strengthen these cultural and tourism exchanges.

By tapping into existing demand while offering new levels of affordability and convenience, Norse Atlantic positions itself as a competitive alternative to traditional carriers on the Europe-Asia corridor.

Phuket’s Appeal During the Scandinavian Winter

The launch of these new routes aligns perfectly with peak seasonal demand, making it an exceptionally well-timed addition to Thailand’s winter tourism strategy. December marks the start of the dry season in Phuket, when the island experiences sunny skies, low humidity, and warm temperatures—perfect conditions for beach vacations.

Popular destinations within Phuket such as Patong, Kata, Karon, and Old Town offer diverse experiences for every kind of traveler. Nature lovers can explore the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, while diving enthusiasts will find excellent underwater visibility around the Similan Islands.

For wellness seekers, Phuket also boasts a thriving spa and holistic retreat scene, drawing health-conscious travelers from around the world.

With weekly flights scheduled from both Oslo and Stockholm, tourists can tailor their holidays to fit long weekend escapes or extended vacations.

Boosting Phuket’s International Connectivity

The launch of these new routes comes at a time when Phuket is actively working to reestablish and diversify its international flight network. With passenger numbers on the rise and tourism steadily recovering, the island’s airport authorities and tourism bodies are keen to welcome more long-haul carriers.

Norse Atlantic’s entry into the Scandinavian-Phuket corridor represents a notable development, introducing additional seat capacity during the high-demand winter season and offering greater choice for inbound and outbound travelers.

This also aligns with Thailand’s national tourism goals of attracting high-value international visitors while distributing tourism benefits more evenly across the country.

Norse Atlantic’s Asia Strategy

These new Thailand routes are part of Norse Atlantic’s broader effort to expand into key leisure markets across Asia. While the airline has previously concentrated on transatlantic routes connecting Europe with North America, this move signals a diversification of its route map in response to shifting global travel patterns.

Southeast Asia—particularly destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia—continues to see high interest from European travelers. With lower operating costs and high passenger yields during winter, the region presents a compelling opportunity for Norse Atlantic’s expansion beyond traditional markets.

By testing the waters with limited weekly rotations and ultra-competitive pricing, the airline can assess demand and possibly scale up frequencies in subsequent seasons.

A Win-Win for Scandinavian Travelers and Thai Tourism

Norse Atlantic’s announcement of direct flights from Oslo and Stockholm to Phuket is more than a route launch—it is a strategic effort to tap into Scandinavia’s enduring love affair with Thailand.

For Nordic travelers, it means easier, cheaper access to winter sunshine. For Thailand, it brings renewed connectivity, increased tourism revenue, and the opportunity to welcome more long-haul visitors without relying solely on connecting hubs.

As the aviation sector continues to rebound from global disruptions, these new routes mark a bold and timely investment in the future of affordable intercontinental travel.

Thailand is enhancing air connections with Sweden and Norway with the launch by Norse Atlantic of direct winter flights from Stockholm and Oslo to Phuket later this December. The move caters to rising demand for winter sun holidays and solidifies tourism connections between Southeast Asia and Scandinavia.

With modern aircraft, accessible pricing, and direct service to one of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting destinations, Norse Atlantic is poised to make waves in the winter sun travel market.

«Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us»