Saudia has launched direct flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Phuket, marking a significant milestone between Saudi Arabia and Thailand. The direct flights will make it easier for Saudi travelers to visit one of Thailand’s most popular destinations.
Celebrating the new Saudia route
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently celebrated the new service which will boost tourism between the two nations. During the carrier’s inaugural flight from Riyadh, the Phuket International Airport hosted a special ceremony.
The program featured a Thai puppet show and the wearing of flower garlands. Deputy Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Thailand Abdulaziz Alkhudhairi, and Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Supanpai were present.
Joining them were Saudia’s Regional Manager for Far East Asia Reham Zarie and Thailand Station Manager Mohammad Khairuldin, among others. Meanwhile, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, represented TAT as its Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Europe, the Americas, Middle East, and Africa.
“The introduction of these non-stop flights comes at a time of growing tourism and economic cooperation between Thailand and Saudi Arabia,” Siripakorn remarked.
“Over recent years, our collaborative efforts, including joint campaigns, have attracted Saudi tourists to Thailand. Saudia’s new flights to Phuket will further enhance this partnership, offering Saudi travelers greater access to explore Thailand’s stunning beaches and rich cultural experiences.”
About the Saudia flight expansion
This new route comes as part of Saudia’s ongoing expansion to connect major Middle Eastern cities with popular tourist destinations worldwide. Previously, Saudi tourists traveling to Phuket had to rely on indirect flights, often requiring longer travel times and layovers.
With the introduction of these direct services, Saudia aims to provide a seamless travel experience for both leisure and business travelers. Additionally, it enhances the airline’s commitment to fostering stronger relations with Southeast Asia.
Saudia’s inaugural flight to Phuket, SV 582, left Riyadh on December 2, 2024, arriving in Phuket at 10:30 p.m. Meanwhile, on December 4, 2024, the other inaugural flight left Jeddah at 1:55 a.m., arriving in Phuket at 1:45 p.m.The Saudi flag carrier will use a Boeing 787-9 aircraft for the Jeddah-Phuket and Riyadh-Phuket flights. The airline has scheduled three weekly flights to Phuket until February 28, 2025.
Apart from the direct flights to Phuket, Saudia also operates weekly flights to Bangkok from Riyadh and Riyadh. Specifically, it has four to five weekly flights from Jeddah and three weekly flights from Riyadh.
More visitors from Saudi Arabia
Saudia’s direct flights between Riyadh, Jeddah, and Phuket are expected to enhance the appeal of Thailand as a destination for Saudi tourists. Other airlines such as EVA Air have entered partnerships with Thailand to boost tourism.
This new service will not only make Phuket more accessible but also help diversify the tourism market. TAT has set a target of attracting more Saudi tourists, noting that they represent an important segment due to their interest in luxury travel and premium services.
From January 1-November 25, 2024, Thailand has already received 209,929 visitors from Saudi Arabia, 28.42 percent higher than in 2023. Moreover, 77.43 percent of these were first-time travelers to Thailand, while 15.71 percent had returned after 2-4 times.
Photo by Kettisag Prasanpan on Unsplash
