The Tourism Authority of Thailand welcomed Etihad’s Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai flight, enhancing international connectivity, boosting Middle Eastern tourism, supporting multi-destination travel, and reinforcing Thailand’s position as a quality travel hub.
Key Points
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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed Etihad Airways’ inaugural Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai flight on 4 November 2025, enhancing international connectivity and promoting Thailand as a quality tourist destination and regional aviation hub under TAT’s Airline Focus strategy.
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The flight’s arrival featured cultural ceremonies and a water salute at Chiang Mai International Airport, with TAT and local officials participating and passengers receiving souvenirs, emphasizing a warm cultural welcome.
- This new route, offering four weekly flights, boosts access to Northern Thailand, attracting travelers from the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, aligning with TAT’s goal to increase Middle Eastern visitors beyond 850,000 arrivals annually.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has officially welcomed the inauguration of Etihad Airways’ new Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai flight, a strategic move designed to enhance Thailand’s international air connectivity and elevate the quality of its tourism offerings. This route aligns closely with TAT’s broader Airline Focus strategy, which seeks to strengthen Thailand’s appeal as a premier travel destination, particularly during high seasons, by forging partnerships with leading global carriers. By expanding direct access to Northern Thailand, this initiative reinforces the country’s positioning as both a cultural tourism hotspot and a significant regional aviation hub in Southeast Asia.
The inaugural flight, EY426, arrived at Chiang Mai International Airport on 4 November 2025 and was ceremoniously welcomed with traditional water salutes and cultural performances, underlining the significance of this new international connection. The event was attended by key figures including TAT Deputy Governor Mr. Chuwit Sirivajjakul and Chiang Mai Deputy Governor Mr. Weerapong Ritrod, alongside TAT executives and local tourism stakeholders. Passengers were greeted with souvenirs that reflected the hospitality and warm cultural heritage of the region, emphasizing the focus on creating an enriched visitor experience from arrival.
This new route opens substantial opportunities to diversify and increase tourism flows from the Middle East as well as from other long-haul markets like Europe and the Americas. Etihad Airways will operate four weekly flights, facilitating multi-destination travel itineraries that benefit both leisure and business travelers. The importance of this connectivity is underscored by the significant numbers of visitors from the Middle East, with over 679,924 arrivals recorded in the current year and projections exceeding 850,000, highlighting the region’s growing importance within Thailand’s tourism strategy. Overall, the Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai flight exemplifies a concerted effort by TAT to foster sustainable tourism growth through enhanced air connectivity and targeted market expansion.