Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai Flight Launch

November 4

Thailand welcomes Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai flight under TAT’s Airline Focus strategy
New route connects Northern Thailand with the Middle East and supports multi-destination travel across Thai cities
Bangkok, 4 November 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today welcomed the inaugural Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai flight, marking a milestone in TAT’s Airline Focus strategy to strengthen Thailand’s international air connectivity. The new route adds momentum to Thailand’s high season and reflects the success of TAT’s partnerships with leading global carriers in positioning Thailand as a quality destination and regional aviation hub.
Flight EY426 landed at Chiang Mai International Airport at 06.05 Hrs. and was greeted with a water salute and Thai-style cultural welcome ceremony. The event was led by Mr. Chuwit Sirivajjakul, TAT Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, and Mr. Weerapong Ritrod, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai Province, joined by TAT executives and local partners from the public and private sectors. Passengers received souvenirs as part of the warm hospitality extended to mark the occasion.
Mr. Chuwit Sirivajjakul, TAT Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, said “The launch of Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai service represents a key achievement under our Airline Focus strategy and demonstrates the strength of Thailand’s aviation partnerships. This connection enhances access to Northern Thailand for travellers from the Middle East, while also enabling long-haul visitors from Europe and the Americas to experience the region’s rich culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. It underscores our Value over Volume approach, focusing on quality tourism and high-spending markets.”
The new service expands TAT’s partnership with Etihad Airways, following the successful launch of the airline’s Abu Dhabi–Krabi route in early October. Operating four flights per week with an Airbus A321LR offering 160 seats, the route provides travellers from the Middle East and beyond with greater convenience and seamless access to Thailand’s northern region. It also supports time-efficient multi-destination itineraries such as Krabi–Bangkok–Chiang Mai or Chiang Mai–Phuket–Dubai.
The service marks a milestone for Chiang Mai International Airport as its longest direct route to date at 4,612 kilometres, surpassing the previous record held by the Chiang Mai–Kansai service (3,979 kilometres).
The Middle East remains one of Thailand’s fastest-growing source markets, comprising travellers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman – known for high income levels and a preference for family, wellness, and luxury travel. Between 1 January and 31 October 2025, Thailand welcomed over 679,924 visitors from the region, with arrivals projected to exceed 850,000 by year-end. Middle Eastern travellers have an average stay of 10 days and spend around 100,000 Baht per trip, underscoring the region’s importance to Thailand’s quality tourism strategy.