The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the successful inaugural flight of Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai route, marking a significant enhancement in Thailand’s air connectivity. The flight, designated EY426, arrived at Chiang Mai International Airport at 06:05 hours and was greeted with traditional water salute ceremonies and cultural festivities. This new route aims to bolster Thailand’s tourism high season and strengthen partnerships with leading global airlines, emphasizing quality tourism and high-value markets.
Mr. Chuwit Sirivajjakul, TAT Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, highlighted the importance of this milestone, emphasizing that the route enhances access to Northern Thailand for Middle Eastern travelers and facilitates long-haul tourism from Europe and the Americas. He underscored that the route aligns with Thailand’s strategy of prioritizing quality over quantity by attracting high-spending visitors who appreciate the region's natural beauty and cultural richness.
The new service, operating four weekly flights with an Airbus A321LR aircraft offering 160 seats, extends TAT’s partnership with Etihad Airways following the successful launch of the Abu Dhabi–Krabi route in October. This direct route surpasses all previous for Chiang Mai International Airport, covering 4,612 kilometers, and supports efficient multi-destination travel such as Krabi–Bangkok–Chiang Mai or Chiang Mai–Phuket–Dubai.
Regional travelers from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, are significant contributors to the growth of inbound tourism. Between January and October 2025, the region provided over 679,924 visitors, with numbers expected to exceed 850,000 by year-end. Middle Eastern travelers tend to stay around ten days and spend an average of 100,000 Baht per trip, reaffirming the region’s critical role in Thailand’s destination strategy.
