Etihad Airways launches exciting new flights to Chiang Mai and Hong Kong!

Etihad Airways launches exciting new flights to Chiang Mai and Hong Kong!

The aviation landscape in Thailand has experienced an exciting growth! Etihad Airways started the first flights from Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai on November 4, 2025. This new service marks a significant step in the airline's global expansion, which now offers service between the two cities four times a week. This makes Chiang Mai, known for its stunning temples and lively markets, even more attractive as a destination for tourists from the Middle East and Europe.

The company has established a foothold not only in Chiang Mai, but also in Krabi, where daily flights began on October 9, 2025. This new strategy from Etihad aims to establish Thailand as one of the most important markets for international flights. The attractive mix of culture, nature and adventure in Thailand makes it the second largest market for the airline.

Flight details and amenities

The new routes between Abu Dhabi and Chiang Mai will be operated with the modern Airbus A321LR, which not only has improved fuel efficiency but also high passenger comfort. Flights from Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai depart at 9:20 p.m. (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) and arrive at 6:05 a.m. the following day. The return flight departs at 8:50 a.m. (Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat) and arrives Abu Dhabi at 1:05 p.m.

The A321LR configuration offers space for two passengers in First Class with privacy, 14 Business Class lie-flat seats and 144 Economy Class seats. This offer has been designed to be ideal for both business and leisure travelers.

Tourism advantages and future vision

The connection to Chiang Mai not only means more travel options, but also a strengthening of tourism and economic development in the region. Etihad signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tourism Authority of Thailand in April 2025 to increase international tourist numbers and showcase the country's beauties. With this move, the airline aims to offer over 125 destinations worldwide by 2030 and reach an annual passenger count of 38 million.

Chiang Mai, with its historic temples and surrounding mountain landscape, will certainly benefit from growing connectivity. This development is also supported by the increasing demand for wellness trips in the region, which takes Lufthansa's trend into account. With a focus on developing regional destinations, Chiang Mai could become a hotspot for international travelers.

In summary it can be said that the new flight connection from Etihad Airways not only opens up new tourist access to Chiang Mai, but also strengthens the cultural bridges between the Middle East and the dream destination of Thailand.