Tourism Authority of Thailand hails Saudia’s inaugural flight to Phuket

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted airport ceremonies to mark Saudia’s inaugural non-stop flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Phuket. 

Saudia’s inaugural Riyadh-Phuket flight SV 852, which took place on 2 December 2024, departed Riyadh at 11:25 and arrived in Phuket at 22:30. 

Thai ambassador to Saudi Arabia Darm Boontham, TAT Dubai and Middle East office director Ahman Mad-Adam, and media representatives from the Middle East were aboard the flight.

On the other hand, the inaugural Jeddah-Phuket flight SV 850 flew from Jeddah today, 4th December, at 01:55, arriving in Phuket at 13:45. A similar welcome ceremony was held in Phuket.

These new direct routes reflect growing demand for travel between Thailand and Saudi Arabia, enhancing tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges.

According to TAT deputy governor for international marketing Siripakorn Cheawsamoot: “The launch of Saudia’s non-stop flights to Phuket marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of the friendly relations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand. This new air link not only offers greater convenience for Saudi travellers but also fosters deeper cultural, economic, and tourism exchanges, further solidifying Thailand’s position as a preferred destination for visitors from Saudi Arabia.”

Saudia will operate the Riyadh-Phuket and Jeddah-Phuket routes with Boeing 787-9 aircraft, each offering three weekly flights through 28 February 2025. 

In addition, the airline currently operates up to five weekly flights from Jeddah to Bangkok, three from Riyadh to Bangkok, and three flights per week between Riyadh and Bangkok via Jeddah.

A timely expansion

According to Cheawsamoot, the introduction of these non-stop flights comes at a time of growing tourism and economic cooperation between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. 

He said: “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 travellers greater access to explore Thailand’s stunning beaches and rich cultural experiences.”

TAT and Saudia will continue their collaboration with joint marketing initiatives, including a special sales promotion targeting Saudi families and millennial travellers. 

The Amazing Thailand Post-ATM Roadshow 2025 in Riyadh will bring Thai businesses and tourism representatives closer to the Saudi market. 

TAT and Saudia have previously worked together on successful campaigns, such as the 2023 Phuket Roadshow to Saudi Arabia and a Memorandum of Cooperation in 2022 to promote luxury, wellness, and sustainable tourism.