Thailand welcomes Etihad Airways’ new Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai route

Thailand

New connection strengthens Thailand’s air network and supports high-value tourism under TAT’s Airline Focus strategy

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has officially welcomed Etihad Airways’ inaugural Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai flight, a key milestone in its Airline Focus strategy to enhance Thailand’s international air connectivity and promote multi-destination travel. The route links Northern Thailand with the Middle East for the first time and reinforces Thailand’s position as a premium regional aviation hub.

Flight EY426 touched down at Chiang Mai International Airport at 06:05 hrs, where it received a traditional water salute and Thai cultural welcome. The ceremony was led by Mr. Chuwit Sirivajjakul, TAT Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, and Mr. Weerapong Ritrod, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, together with representatives from local authorities and tourism partners. Passengers were greeted with warm hospitality and commemorative gifts.

“The launch of Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai service is a major step forward in expanding quality air links to Thailand,” said Mr. Chuwit Sirivajjakul. “This connection enhances access to Northern Thailand for travellers from the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, while advancing our Value over Volume approach that emphasizes high-spending, quality visitors.”

The new four-times-weekly service, operated by an Airbus A321LR with 160 seats, complements Etihad’s recently launched Abu Dhabi–Krabi route. Together, the two connections support flexible itineraries such as Krabi–Bangkok–Chiang Mai or Chiang Mai–Phuket–Dubai, giving visitors seamless access to multiple Thai destinations.

For Chiang Mai International Airport, the 4,612-kilometre route sets a new record as its longest direct connection, surpassing the previous Chiang Mai–Kansai service.

The Middle East continues to be one of Thailand’s fastest-growing source markets. Between January and October 2025, nearly 680,000 visitors arrived from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman – with total arrivals expected to exceed 850,000 by year-end. Travellers from the region stay an average of 10 days and spend around 100,000 Baht per trip, reflecting their strong contribution to Thailand’s quality tourism growth.