| By Nation Thailand

New Air Route Strengthens Thailand’s Access to Gulf Travelers

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has officially welcomed Air Arabia’s inaugural direct flight from Sharjah to Krabi, marking a major step in expanding Thailand’s reach within the Middle Eastern tourism market. The first flight landed in Krabi on 29 November 2025, opening new travel options ahead of the peak holiday season.

Operating from Sharjah, the new route enhances air connectivity between the Middle East, North Africa, and Southern Thailand, adding an estimated 5,220 seats per month. This direct access encourages visitors to explore destinations beyond Bangkok and Phuket, positioning Krabi as a key entry point for Gulf travelers.

Supporting Thailand’s Airline Focus Strategy

The welcoming ceremony was attended by Sasithorn Kittidhrakul, Deputy Minister of the Interior, Angkul Seelatewakul, Governor of Krabi Province, and senior TAT officials. The route aligns with TAT’s Airline Focus Strategy, which prioritizes high-value tourism markets known for longer stays and higher spending.

Middle Eastern travelers are particularly drawn to luxury resorts, wellness tourism, family-friendly destinations, and nature-based experiences, all of which Krabi offers in abundance.

Middle Eastern Market Shows Strong Growth Potential

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, covering the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman continues to emerge as one of Thailand’s most promising source markets.

Between January and November 2025, Thailand welcomed 728,340 visitors from the Middle East, with an average stay of 10 days and spending of approximately 100,000 baht per trip. Authorities project total arrivals from the region to reach 850,000 visitors by year-end, supported in part by new direct air routes such as Sharjah–Krabi.

Positive Impact on Krabi’s Local Economy

The new flight is expected to stimulate local economic growth by increasing demand across hospitality sectors, including hotels, restaurants, wellness centers, spas, sports tourism, and transport services. Rising visitor numbers are also anticipated to create new employment opportunities and attract further investment in the province.

This development supports TAT’s “Value over Volume” approach, which emphasizes sustainable income generation rather than mass tourism.

Aligned With Thailand’s BCG Tourism Vision

The launch of the Sharjah–Krabi route reflects growing international confidence in Thailand’s tourism infrastructure and service quality. It also complements the country’s BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) economy strategy, which promotes environmentally responsible tourism while balancing economic and social benefits.

By expanding direct access from high-spending markets, Thailand continues to strengthen its position as a premium, sustainable destination for global travelers, especially from the Middle East.

Original Article:

The Nation Thailand. (2025). TAT Welcomes Air Arabia’s New Direct Flight from Sharjah to Krabi, Expanding Middle Eastern Tourism. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/tourism/40058991