Air Arabia Launches Daily Direct Service from Sharjah to Krabi: Boosting Thailand Tourism with Enhanced Middle East Connectivity

Published on December 1, 2025

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently marked a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to expand Thailand’s air connectivity with the Middle East, celebrating the inaugural flight of Air Arabia’s new daily direct service from Sharjah to Krabi. This new service represents a major step forward in strengthening Thailand’s appeal as a destination for high-value travellers from the Middle East and beyond. The launch also forms a key part of TAT’s Airline Focus strategy, aimed at improving air access and supporting sustainable tourism growth in Thailand.

The Ceremony: A Landmark Event for Thailand’s Tourism

The launch ceremony, which took place on 29 November, was attended by several key figures, including Ms. Sasithorn Kittidhrakul, the Deputy Minister of Interior, and Mr. Angkoon Silathewakul, the Governor of Krabi Province. Also present were Mr. Santi Sawangcharoen, TAT’s Executive Director for the Americas, Middle East, and Africa Region, Ms. Wajanan Silpawornwiwat, TAT Executive Director of the Southern Region, along with public- and private-sector partners. The event celebrated the beginning of the new service, which aims to enhance travel between Sharjah, a major city in the UAE, and Krabi, one of Thailand’s most popular southern destinations.

Expanding Thailand’s Air Connectivity with the Middle East

In his speech, Mr. Santi Sawangcharoen emphasized the importance of expanding air access as part of TAT’s long-term commitment to strengthening Thailand’s position as a global tourism leader. The launch of the Sharjah–Krabi route is seen as a significant achievement within TAT’s Airline Focus strategy, which works to unlock new gateways for high-value travellers. According to Mr. Sawangcharoen, this new service strengthens Thailand’s global appeal by connecting high-demand destinations in the Middle East with key tourism spots in southern Thailand, helping to boost local economies and create sustainable growth opportunities.

The Sharjah–Krabi route is particularly important as it aligns with TAT’s goal of promoting Thailand’s Value over Volume approach to tourism. By attracting high-value travellers, the new route is expected to drive economic benefits for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, halal tourism providers, spas, sports, and wellness services. This strategic focus ensures that the tourism industry benefits from quality visitors who contribute to the local economy through longer stays and higher spending.

Air Arabia’s Role in Enhancing Thailand’s Air Network

Air Arabia, a leading low-cost airline in the Middle East, will operate one flight per day on the Sharjah–Krabi route, adding over 5,220 seats per month to the destination. The airline already operates a significant network in Thailand, with 14 weekly flights each to Bangkok and Phuket. Air Arabia’s decision to launch a daily service to Krabi underscores the growing demand for travel between the Middle East and Thailand’s popular southern destinations.

The flights between Sharjah and Krabi will be operated using Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, which have a capacity of 174 to 215 seats per flight. This expansion further enhances Thailand’s accessibility, offering passengers from the Middle East seamless connections to key southern Thai destinations such as Krabi, Phuket, and the surrounding areas.

Enhancing Connectivity for Middle Eastern and European Visitors

The new direct service also benefits travellers from Europe and North Africa, who can now enjoy convenient connections to southern Thailand through Sharjah. The route not only serves the growing demand for travel from the Middle East but also creates opportunities for long-haul visitors to access Thailand’s pristine beaches, national parks, and luxury accommodations. This is especially important for international tourists who prefer streamlined connections and easy access to popular destinations in Thailand.

The partnership between TAT and Air Arabia, alongside the development of this new route, demonstrates the effectiveness of strategic collaborations in promoting Thailand as a premier destination for both leisure and business travellers. With increased air access, Thailand is better positioned to cater to the needs of tourists from various regions, ensuring the country remains a top choice for international visitors.

Familiarisation Trip and Ongoing Collaborative Efforts

As part of their ongoing efforts to promote Krabi, TAT and Air Arabia have also jointly organized a familiarisation trip for media representatives and corporate clients. From 28 November to 4 December 2025, three media representatives and six corporate clients had the opportunity to explore Krabi and experience the destination firsthand. This initiative is part of a series of collaborative activities aimed at increasing awareness of Krabi in the Middle Eastern market.

Earlier initiatives included a media launch in Dubai in September 2025, promoting Krabi as a prime travel destination. In addition, a fam trip for five Arab Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) was held during the Chonburi Travel Mart in July, further strengthening Thailand’s presence in the Middle East market. These marketing efforts are designed to increase awareness of Krabi and attract high-value tourists from the region.

Middle East Market: A Growing Source of High-Spending Travellers

The Middle East remains one of Thailand’s most dynamic source markets, with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) travellers — including those from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman — demonstrating a strong interest in wellness, family travel, and premium accommodation. In 2025, from January to 23 November, Thailand recorded over 728,340 arrivals from the Middle East, with an average stay of 10 days and spending of around 100,000 Baht per trip. This number is expected to exceed 850,000 by the end of the year, highlighting the importance of the Middle East as a lucrative market for Thailand’s tourism industry.

GCC travellers are known for their high spending, and their growing interest in Thailand’s wellness and luxury offerings presents significant opportunities for local businesses. The launch of the Sharjah–Krabi route is poised to support this trend, driving further economic benefits for Thailand’s tourism sector.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Krabi and Thailand’s Tourism Industry

The introduction of Air Arabia’s daily direct service from Sharjah to Krabi is a key development in TAT’s efforts to expand Thailand’s air links with the Middle East and attract high-value tourists to the country’s southern regions. The route is expected to generate significant benefits for local businesses in Krabi and enhance the global visibility of Thailand’s tourism offerings.

By focusing on quality tourism and strategic partnerships with airlines like Air Arabia, TAT is laying the foundation for sustainable growth in Thailand’s tourism sector. With the Middle East market continuing to show strong potential, the Sharjah–Krabi service is set to play a key role in positioning Thailand as a leading destination for premium travellers from the region and beyond.

[Image Credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand]