Thailand Celebrates New Direct Sharjah to Krabi Flights to Meet Rising Tourism Demand, Get the Details Here

Published on December 1, 2025

On the 29th of November 2025, the Tourism Authority of Thailand commemorated an important occasion with the very first flight of Air Arabia’s new direct route from Sharjah, an important addition in improving Thailand’s global air accessibility for the first time. This daily flight is likely to satisfy the demand for the Middle East to Thailand’s beautiful southern destinations for the first time which is an integral part of Thailand’s strategic efforts in promoting sustainable, high-value tourism.

On the other hand, the most important invited guests to the event such as Sasithorn Kittidhrakul, Deputy Minister of Interior, Angkoon Silathewakul, Governor of Krabi Province. On the other hand, the most important invited guests to the event such as Sasithorn Kittidhrakul, Deputy Minister of Interior, Angkoon Silathewakul, Governor of Krabi Province. Attending the event for the highest-level guests to the country in tourism and the region were TAT’s senior officials including Santi Sawangcharoen, Executive Director for the Americas, Middle East and Africa Region, and Mr. Wajanan Silpawornwiwat, Executive Director of the Southern Region TAT Office.

Strengthening Air Connectivity: A Strategic Step for Thailand

The Sharjah–Krabi route is a pivotal addition to Thailand’s air network and is a direct reflection of TAT’s Airline Focus strategy, designed to expand the country’s air links to key global markets. According to Santi Sawangcharoen, the new route is a significant achievement in Thailand’s efforts to increase connectivity with high-value travelers, particularly from the Middle East. “Expanding air access is central to TAT’s commitment to strengthening Thailand’s position on the global tourism map,” said Sawangcharoen. He further emphasized that this new connection not only increases convenience for travelers but also provides broader economic benefits for local businesses, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

The launch of the Sharjah–Krabi route aligns with TAT’s Value over Volume strategy, which prioritizes attracting high-value visitors over mass tourism. These visitors tend to spend more on premium services, including wellness, halal tourism, fine dining, and luxury accommodations. By focusing on sustainable tourism and attracting affluent travelers, TAT aims to create long-term economic benefits that extend beyond tourism alone, benefiting local communities and businesses in Krabi and other southern Thai destinations.

The Impact of the Sharjah–Krabi Route on Tourism

Air Arabia’s new service offers one daily flight, adding over 5,220 seats per month to the route and increasing the number of available travel options between the Middle East and Thailand. This service not only benefits passengers traveling from Sharjah but also opens up seamless connections for long-haul travelers from Europe and North Africa who can now easily reach Krabi, Phuket, and other nearby southern destinations.

The importance of the Sharjah–Krabi route is highlighted by the increasing interest from the Middle Eastern travel market. The Middle East, especially the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, has become a key source of high-value tourists for Thailand. GCC travelers are known for their preference for luxury experiences, including wellness tourism, family vacations, and premium accommodations. In fact, according to TAT, Thailand recorded over 728,340 arrivals from the Middle East from January to November 2025, with travelers typically staying for an average of 10 days and spending approximately 100,000 Baht per trip. This new route is expected to further bolster the number of visitors from the Middle East, pushing the number of arrivals to over 850,000 by the end of 2025.

Expanding Opportunities for Local Businesses

The introduction of this new service comes at a crucial time, offering local businesses in Krabi and the surrounding areas an opportunity to capitalize on the growing influx of tourists. From hotels and restaurants to wellness centers, halal tourism providers, and local tour operators, the Sharjah–Krabi service opens up new opportunities for the local economy. The presence of affluent Middle Eastern travelers has already created a demand for high-end services, and the new route is expected to expand these opportunities further, especially for luxury tourism services.

Thailand’s growing emphasis on sustainable tourism and its ability to meet the expectations of high-value visitors aligns perfectly with the region’s resources. Krabi, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful natural parks, is becoming increasingly popular among travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and wellness experiences. The addition of direct flights from the Middle East makes it easier for potential tourists to explore the region, offering a unique opportunity for local tourism operators to engage with a new and promising customer base.

Familiarization Trip and Ongoing Marketing Efforts

In line with the launch of the Sharjah–Krabi route, TAT and Air Arabia have also collaborated to organize a familiarization (fam) trip for media representatives and corporate clients. From November 28 to December 4, 2025, a group of three media representatives and six corporate clients will explore Krabi’s attractions and learn more about the region’s tourism offerings. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase Middle Eastern media exposure of Krabi and to promote it as a premier destination for travelers from the region.

Earlier initiatives, such as the media launch in Dubai in September 2025 and a fam trip for Arab influencers during the Chonburi Travel Mart in July 2025, were also geared toward strengthening Krabi’s presence in the Middle Eastern market. These ongoing collaborative efforts are integral to positioning Krabi as a leading destination for luxury and sustainable travel from the Middle East and other international markets.

Building Confidence in Thailand’s Tourism Infrastructure

The new route also underscores the growing confidence that airlines and investors have in Thailand’s infrastructure and service standards. As one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, Thailand has made substantial investments in its aviation infrastructure, ensuring that travelers enjoy high-quality services and facilities when arriving in the country. The direct Sharjah–Krabi service further affirms Thailand’s long-term commitment to providing world-class standards of service and to maintaining sustainable tourism growth.

A Promising Future for Thai Tourism

Air Arabia’s first Sharjah to Krabi flight is the first of many expected to flow into Krabi to service Thailand’s new business strategy to attract high-value tourists from the Middle East. The Thai government has branded tourism to the Middle East an ‘economic miracle’ and because of this developed strategy, tourists from the Middle East will have easy direct access to Krabi and the many luxury travel experiences Thailand offers. The direct flights will see the Thai economy grow significantly and strengthen the cultural ties of the Middle East and Thailand. The new route is not a new business flight, but a powerful testament.