BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has officially welcomed Etihad Airways’ inaugural direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Krabi province, marking a new milestone in Thailand’s air connectivity with the Middle East.
Flight EY424 touched down at Krabi International Airport at 6:35 p.m. on October 9, 2025, to a warm reception led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, alongside Deputy Minister of Interior Sasithorn Kittidhrakul, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, and senior tourism partners from both the public and private sectors.
The new route is part of TAT’s Airline Focus strategy, which aims to expand Thailand’s accessibility through collaborations with world-class airlines. Etihad Airways now operates seven weekly flights on the Abu Dhabi–Krabi route using an Airbus A321LR with 160 seats. The inaugural flight also welcomed media representatives and key opinion leaders (KOLs) eager to explore Krabi’s natural charm.
Middle Eastern travelers — particularly from the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait — are among Thailand’s most valued visitors. Known for their strong spending power, family-oriented travel preferences, and appreciation for serene, premium destinations, they will find Krabi’s pristine beaches, world-class resorts, and tranquil atmosphere perfectly aligned with their expectations.
The direct service cuts travel time from over 12 hours to under seven, making Thailand an even more convenient and appealing choice for luxury travelers from the region. The route is expected to boost visitor arrivals, drive local tourism revenue, and enhance Thailand’s positioning as a year-round premium destination.
Etihad Airways’ expansion into Krabi will soon be followed by a new Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai route, with the first flight scheduled for November 4, 2025. The Middle Eastern market continues to grow rapidly, with more than 618,000 visitors arriving in Thailand between January and September 2025, staying an average of 10 nights, and spending around 104,000 baht per trip. By the end of the year, arrivals are projected to reach 850,000—a clear sign of Thailand’s growing appeal among Middle Eastern travelers. (NNT)
