Air France and KLM Launch Direct Flights to Phuket, Boosting Tourism, Travel Connections, and Economic Benefits for Thailand and Europe

Published on December 1, 2025

As international travel continues to bounce back, Air France and KLM are considerably improving travel between the two markets with the addition of a brand-new direct flight between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Phuket. This new route should boost tourism between Thailand and Europe by offering people from both continents an easy, convenient way to get to one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia.

The direct flight will be operated with a Boeing B777-200 aircraft, configured to carry 328 passengers in Business, Premium, and Economy classes for comfort. The service will be offered daily, with two-way flights for easier access between Phuket and Europe. This new route is part of Air France and KLM’s ongoing strategy to improve global connectivity, making it easier for travelers to get to important destinations both in Southeast Asia and Europe.

The Travel Impact: Enhancing Accessibility and Tourism Growth in Thailand

The launch of direct flights to Phuket is expected to have a significant travel impact by increasing the number of international visitors to Thailand, particularly from Europe. Phuket, known for its beaches, luxury resorts, and cultural attractions, has long been a top destination for international tourists. The new flights make Phuket more accessible than ever, ensuring that European travelers can now reach this tropical paradise with ease.

The travel impact of this new connection extends beyond tourism: it also strengthens Thailand’s tourism economy, which relies heavily on international visitors. With more direct flights, Phuket will see increased tourism traffic, boosting local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. As more tourists arrive, the local economy will benefit from higher spending and job creation, making the new flight service a win-win for both travelers and the local community.

Strengthening Global Tourism Ties and Enhancing Connectivity

This new direct route is not only about facilitating tourism but also enhancing global connectivity between two of the world’s most visited regions. Air France and KLM already offer a significant number of weekly flights between Europe and Thailand, and the introduction of this direct flight to Phuket complements their existing services, which also include major connections to Bangkok and other popular Thai destinations.

The flight between Phuket and Paris will also facilitate business travel between the two regions, making it easier for companies to engage in cross-border trade, collaborations, and partnerships. As travel demand grows, the direct flight will not only enhance leisure tourism but also contribute to increased commercial activity, reinforcing the role of airlines in global connectivity.

Economic and Tourism Benefits for Phuket and the Region

Phuket stands to gain immensely from the new direct flight, particularly in terms of tourism growth. With the expected increase in tourists from Europe, the island is poised to become an even more popular destination, bringing in additional revenue for tourism-related industries. This will help position Phuket as one of Southeast Asia’s premier destinations, attracting tourists who are eager to explore the region’s natural beauty, enjoy world-class resorts, and engage in local culture and activities.

The direct flight service is also likely to foster greater cultural exchange between Thailand and Europe. Visitors from France, Germany, the UK, and other European countries will have the chance to experience Phuket’s rich cultural heritage, while Thai travelers can explore the numerous cultural and historic offerings of Paris and Europe. This kind of two-way travel enhances cross-cultural understanding and promotes long-term tourism growth between Thailand and Europe.

A Future of Expanding Travel Opportunities for Phuket and Southeast Asia

The launch of Air France’s and KLM’s direct flight to Phuket marks just the beginning of expanding travel opportunities for the region. As tourism demand increases, the service may expand further, with new routes opening up more regions of Southeast Asia to European travelers. Phuket, as a major tourism hub in Thailand, is expected to serve as the gateway for more European travelers to explore the wider Southeast Asia region, including Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Furthermore, Air France and KLM’s ongoing commitment to expanding global air connectivity will encourage greater tourist flows to not only Phuket but also to other developing and emerging destinations in Asia, ensuring that tourism growth remains strong across the entire region.

A Bright Future for Tourism and Travel Connectivity

Following the introduction of direct flights from Phuket to Paris, Air France and KLM have been in the forefront in boosting tourism and travel connectivity between Thailand and Europe. The service not only enhances tourism flows but also fosters economic growth for Phuket and Thailand, thus reinforcing the country’s broader tourism strategy.

The travel impact of the new route will be felt from local businesses benefiting from increased numbers of visitors through to tourists who are better able to access one of the top destinations in Southeast Asia. With tourism demand continuing to grow both in Southeast Asia and Europe, the connection between Phuket and Paris will play an integral part in tourism infrastructure worldwide, driving future growth in travel opportunities, local economies, and global connections alike.