For Phuket property investors, the question is not whether new flight routes matter—it’s which routes bring the right kind of visitor. Long-haul European travellers who stay two weeks, spend above average, and travel outside peak season are the kind of demand that supports villa rental yields, especially in shoulder months.
LOT Polish Airlines will launch a direct Warsaw-Bangkok service on 7 October 2026, initially operating three times weekly before increasing to five weekly flights from 26 October. The route will run throughout the winter 2026/2027 season using Boeing 787 Dreamliners with 252 seats per flight.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the airline has already recorded substantial advance bookings for the inaugural flight, suggesting early demand is solid.
Why the route matters for Thailand property
Poland is not the largest European source market for Thailand, but it is one of the fastest-growing. In 2025, Thailand recorded 237,570 Polish visitors, up 31.46% from 2024. From January to mid-May 2026, arrivals reached 137,772, a 17.08% increase on the same period in 2025.
TAT forecasts the new route will generate approximately 47,000 visitors and 3.196 billion Baht in tourism revenue during the winter 2026/2027 season. The agency projects growth to around 49,000 visitors and approximately 3.3 billion Baht in revenue during winter 2027–2028.
The detail worth paying attention to is traveller behaviour. Polish visitors to Thailand stay an average of 14 days and spend approximately 68,800 Baht per person per trip. They favour Bangkok, Krabi, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai, but longer stays and higher spending levels make them relevant for Phuket villa owners targeting multi-week bookings.
What direct access changes
Before this route, Polish travellers to Thailand typically connected through major European hubs such as Frankfurt, Vienna or Paris, or through Middle Eastern gateways. The new Warsaw-Bangkok flight, at approximately 10 hours 20 minutes, removes that connection and makes Thailand more accessible from Central Europe.
Poland sits at the centre of a wider Central European corridor. The direct service is likely to attract not only Polish travellers but also passengers from neighbouring markets who can easily reach Warsaw.
For Phuket landlords and developers, the practical implication is straightforward: another long-haul European market with multi-week stay patterns gains easier access to Thailand during the high-demand winter season.
How TAT is supporting the route
To support the launch, TAT organised a four-day familiarisation trip and Tabletop Sale in Bangkok on 25 May 2026. The programme brought 10 delegates to Thailand, including two LOT Polish Airlines executives and representatives from leading Polish travel companies: Almatur, Best Reisen, eSKY, eTravel, Flugo, Hurra, Profitravel and Weco-travel.
The Tabletop Sale connected Thai tourism suppliers with Polish travel partners to build distribution ahead of the October launch. Ms. Suladda Sarutilavan, Executive Director of the TAT Europe Region, said the new service “creates a direct gateway from Central Europe to Thailand” and supports efforts to translate interest into tangible travel demand.
The programme also introduced delegates to Bangkok’s cultural sites, wellness experiences, hotels, canal tours, local cuisine and contemporary attractions including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, ICONSIAM and Mahanakhon SkyWalk.
The wider Phuket market context
Phuket’s rental market depends heavily on long-haul European demand during winter. Russians, Scandinavians, Germans and British visitors have historically dominated villa bookings from November through March.
New direct routes from European cities matter because they lower the friction of reaching Thailand. Shorter travel time, fewer connections and competitive pricing all influence booking decisions, especially for families and longer stays.
Poland’s visitor growth rate and spend profile suggest the market is maturing. While 47,000 visitors across an entire winter season is modest compared to larger European markets, the trend is upward and the length of stay is above average.
For Phuket villa owners targeting European renters, the route is another signal that Central European access is improving and that TAT is actively working with airlines and travel trade to build distribution beyond traditional Western European markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Warsaw-Bangkok route start?
LOT Polish Airlines will launch the direct Warsaw-Bangkok service on 7 October 2026, initially with three weekly flights, increasing to five weekly flights from 26 October throughout the winter 2026/2027 season.
How many visitors is the route expected to bring?
TAT forecasts the route will generate approximately 47,000 visitors and 3.196 billion Baht in tourism revenue during the winter 2026/2027 season, growing to around 49,000 visitors and approximately 3.3 billion Baht in winter 2027–2028.
Why does this matter for Phuket property investors?
Polish visitors stay an average of 14 days and spend approximately 68,800 Baht per person per trip. Longer stays and higher spending levels align well with villa rental demand, particularly during Phuket’s winter high season when European long-haul travellers drive occupancy.
What destinations do Polish travellers prefer in Thailand?
According to TAT, Polish travellers show strong interest in Bangkok, Krabi, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai. While Phuket is not named specifically, the island’s position as Thailand’s largest beach resort destination and its proximity to Krabi make it relevant for multi-destination itineraries.
Is Polish visitor growth to Thailand continuing?
Yes. In 2025, Thailand welcomed 237,570 Polish visitors, up 31.46% from 2024. From January to mid-May 2026, arrivals reached 137,772, an increase of 17.08% over the same period in 2025.
Sources
- TAT Newsroom — TAT’s Tabletop Sale builds momentum for LOT Polish Airlines’ new Warsaw-Bangkok flight — link
