Thailand Expands Middle Eastern Tourism with New Direct Flight to Krabi, Get the Details Here

Published on November 29, 2025

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrated Air Arabia’s inaugural direct service between Sharjah, UAE, and Krabi, Thailand, a pivotal service that should facilitate the growth of tourism to Thailand’s southern region from the Middle East. This service increases and enhances the effectiveness of Thailand’s tourism developmental efforts of attracting and accommodating affluent travelers.

A New Gateway to Southern Thailand

On November 29, 2025, the inaugural flight of Air Arabia’s direct route from Sharjah to Krabi touched down in Thailand, offering a new way for travelers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to access the scenic and cultural treasures of southern Thailand. The flight, which departed from Sharjah on November 28, marks an important milestone in the TAT’s ongoing efforts to expand Thailand’s appeal as a global destination, particularly for luxury, family, and wellness tourism.

The new flight service will add 5,220 additional seats per month, providing tourists with more opportunities to explore Krabi and other lesser-known destinations in southern Thailand, extending the reach of tourism beyond Bangkok and Phuket. Krabi, known for its stunning beaches, limestone cliffs, and serene environment, is expected to see a boost in international visitors, particularly from the Middle East.

Middle Eastern Tourism: A High-Value Market for Thailand

Middle Eastern tourists are considered one of the highest-value tourism segments globally. This new flight route is expected to further enhance the appeal of Thailand to travelers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. These visitors typically seek luxury accommodations, wellness retreats, and family-friendly vacation experiences—aligning well with Thailand’s tourism offerings, including its world-class resorts, spas, and cultural experiences.

In 2025, from January to November, Thailand welcomed 728,340 visitors from the Middle East, with an average stay of 10 days and an average expenditure of 100,000 baht per trip. The introduction of the Sharjah-Krabi flight route is expected to contribute significantly to Thailand’s goal of reaching 850,000 Middle Eastern visitors by the end of the year, further cementing the region’s importance in the country’s tourism landscape.

A Boost for Krabi’s Local Economy

The new flight service is not only a win for Thailand’s tourism industry at large but also for the local economies of Krabi and its surrounding areas. The influx of tourists from the Middle East will stimulate growth in various sectors, including hospitality, dining, entertainment, wellness, and local businesses that cater to tourists’ needs. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, spas, and adventure tourism operators in Krabi stand to benefit from the increased demand for services and accommodations.

Moreover, the increased number of visitors is expected to create new job opportunities, both directly and indirectly, within the tourism sector. As part of the TAT’s “Value over Volume” strategy, the aim is to focus on sustainable economic growth, creating an environment where the influx of high-quality tourists contributes to the long-term prosperity of local communities while avoiding overtourism.

Thailand’s Focus on Sustainable and High-Quality Tourism

The launch of the Sharjah-Krabi route aligns with Thailand’s broader tourism strategy, which emphasizes sustainable and responsible tourism practices. This vision is reinforced by the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) economic model, which advocates for a balanced approach to economic, social, and environmental factors in tourism development. Thailand is committed to creating a tourism industry that not only supports economic growth but also prioritizes sustainability and cultural preservation.

Krabi, with its pristine natural landscapes, is an ideal destination to implement these principles. The TAT aims to ensure that the growth of tourism in Krabi and other regions contributes to both the local economy and the preservation of the environment. By attracting high-value visitors who prioritize sustainable travel and wellness, the new flight route supports these objectives while boosting the appeal of the region as a top-tier travel destination.

The Role of Public and Private Sector Collaboration

The introduction of Air Arabia’s direct flight service is also part of a larger collaboration between the public and private sectors. This partnership between Thailand’s tourism authorities and Air Arabia underscores the importance of airline partnerships in expanding accessibility and increasing visitor arrivals to less-visited destinations like Krabi.

The Thai government continues to work closely with airlines and tourism enterprises to improve infrastructure, marketing efforts, and service quality. Public-private collaboration is crucial in ensuring that the tourism industry can scale sustainably while meeting the needs of modern travelers.

Looking Ahead: Further Growth for Middle Eastern Tourism in Thailand

Travel data points the ever-increasing numbers of Middle Eastern tourists coming to Thailand, the route operated by Sharjah to Krabi Opening is the foremost for what is expected to be a long-term trend. As Thailand’s tourism sector continues to be an industry leader, the sector is continuing to capitalize on the trends of luxury, wellness, and culturally immersive experiences.