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New direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai: appearance for Thailand!
Chiang Mai welcomes Etihad Airways' first flight from Abu Dhabi, boosting tourism and expanding international connections.
New direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai: appearance for Thailand!
On November 4, 2025, a new chapter in international aviation history will open in Chiang Mai. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) proudly celebrated the landing of the first flight from Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi. Flight EY426 touched down at Chiang Mai Airport at 6:05 a.m. and is seen as a significant step in strengthening Thailand's air connectivity. The event was celebrated with a water salute and a cultural welcome ceremony led by TAT Deputy Governor Chuwit Sirivajjakul and Mr. Weerapong Ritrod, the Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai.
The new flight is part of TAT's Airline Focus strategy, which aims to improve international flight connections. Chuwit Sirivajjakul highlighted the importance of this connection for travelers from the Middle East and highlighted the opportunities it presents for long-haul visitors from Europe and America.
A look at the direct connection
Etihad Airways will now fly four times a week between Abu Dhabi and Chiang Mai with an Airbus A321LR. This route, covering a distance of 4,612 kilometers, is the longest direct route offered at Chiang Mai Airport to date, surpassing the previous record route to Kansai of 3,979 kilometers. This not only means convenient travel for many travelers, but also supports multi-destination travel, for example from Krabi to Chiang Mai via Bangkok.
The collaboration between TAT and Etihad Airways previously began with the launch of the route to Krabi in October. These new routes underline the strengthening of tourism ties between Thailand and the UAE, as Travel and Tour World reported. Together, the two institutions aim to promote the flow of tourism between the two countries and create economic benefits for both sides.
Tourism growth
Thailand is known for its cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage. The country ranks among the most popular tourist destinations internationally and the tourism sector has shown remarkable growth in recent years, supported by a well-thought-out tourism strategy. Loud Statista Revenue from the tourism sector rose to over 172 billion baht in 2024.
Of particular note is the increase in visitors from the UAE, which increased by over 20% in 2024. By the end of this year, more than 850,000 travelers are expected from this region. These figures clearly show that the Middle East is becoming one of the fastest growing markets for Thailand. Middle Eastern travelers spend an average of ten days in the country and spend around 100,000 baht per trip.
With Etihad Airways' new direct route, Chiang Mai will become even more attractive for holidaymakers from the Middle East and beyond. The goal is clear: to position Thailand as a year-round travel destination that is not only visited in winter.
The latest developments make us optimistic about the future. TAT and Etihad Airways show how important strategic cooperation is for the further development of tourism in Thailand. Chiang Mai can now look forward to welcoming even more international visitors and further expanding its status as the cultural heart of Thailand.