Thailand Celebrates Saudia’s Inaugural Non-Stop Flights to Phuket

Thailand

Strengthening Thailand-Saudi Arabia ties and expanding air connectivity between the two nations.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted airport ceremonies to mark Saudia’s inaugural non-stop flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Phuket. These new direct routes reflect growing demand for travel between Thailand and Saudi Arabia, enhancing tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges.

“The launch of Saudia’s non-stop flights to Phuket marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of the friendly relations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand. This new air link not only offers greater convenience for Saudi travellers but also fosters deeper cultural, economic, and tourism exchanges, further solidifying Thailand’s position as a preferred destination for visitors from Saudi Arabia,” said Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, Middle East, and Africa.

Saudia’s inaugural Riyadh-Phuket flight SV 852, which took place on 2 December 2024, departed Riyadh at 11:25 and arrived in Phuket at 22:30. Onboard were H.E. Mr. Darm Boontham, Thailand’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mr. Ahman Mad-Adam, Director of the TAT Dubai and Middle East Office, and media representatives from the Middle East.

A welcome ceremony was held at Phuket International Airport, featuring a Thai Puppet Show, the presentation of Thai souvenirs, and flower garlands. Key attendees included Mr. Abdulaziz Alkhudhairi, Deputy Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Thailand, Mr. Samawit Supanpai, Vice Governor of Phuket, and Mr. Siripakorn. Also present were Saudia representatives, including Mr. Reham Zarie, Regional Manager for Far East Asia, and Mr. Mohammad A Khairuldin, Station Manager for Thailand.

On 4 December, the inaugural Jeddah-Phuket flight SV 850 is scheduled to depart Jeddah at 01:55, arriving in Phuket at 13:45, with a similar welcome ceremony to take place.

Saudia will operate the Riyadh-Phuket and Jeddah-Phuket routes with Boeing 787-9 aircraft, each offering three weekly flights through 28 February 2025. In addition, the airline currently operates 4-5 weekly flights from Jeddah to Bangkok, three from Riyadh to Bangkok, and three flights per week between Riyadh and Bangkok via Jeddah.

Mr. Siripakorn added “The introduction of these non-stop flights comes at a time of growing tourism and economic cooperation between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. Over recent years, our collaborative efforts, including joint campaigns, have attracted Saudi tourists to Thailand. Saudia’s new flights to Phuket will further enhance this partnership, offering Saudi travellers greater access to explore Thailand’s stunning beaches and rich cultural experiences.”

TAT-Saudia Future Collaborations

TAT and Saudia will continue their collaboration with joint marketing initiatives, including a special sales promotion targeting Saudi families and millennial travellers. The Amazing Thailand Post-ATM Roadshow 2025 in Riyadh will bring Thai businesses and tourism representatives closer to the Saudi market. TAT and Saudia have previously worked together on successful campaigns, such as the 2023 Phuket Roadshow to Saudi Arabia and a Memorandum of Cooperation in 2022 to promote luxury, wellness, and sustainable tourism.

Key Market Insights

Thailand welcomed 209,929 Saudi travellers between 1 January and 25 November 2024, marking a 28.42% increase over 2023. The majority (77.43%) were first-time visitors, while others returned 2-4 times (15.71%) or more than five times (6.86%). Saudi tourists cite Thailand’s diverse attractions, hospitality, and cultural richness as key factors in their choice of destination.