TAT Welcomes Air Arabia’s New Daily Sharjah–Krabi Service - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has celebrated the launch of Air Arabia’s new daily direct service between Sharjah and Krabi, marking a significant expansion of Thailand’s air links with the Middle East and meeting growing demand from high-value travellers. The new route represents a key milestone in delivering TAT’s dynamic Airline Focus strategy.

A welcome ceremony for the inaugural flight was held on 29 November at Krabi International Airport, presided over by Ms. Sasithorn Kittidhrakul, Deputy Minister of Interior, and joined by Mr. Angkoon Silathewakul, Governor of Krabi Province. Also in attendance were Mr. Santi Sawangcharoen, TAT Executive Director for the Americas, Middle East and Africa Region; Ms. Wajanan Silpawornwiwat, TAT Executive Director of the Southern Region; and representatives from local public- and private-sector partners.

Mr. Santi Sawangcharoen said, “Expanding air access is central to TAT’s commitment to strengthening Thailand’s position on the global tourism map. The Sharjah–Krabi service reflects the progress of our Airline Focus strategy and how strategic partnerships can unlock new gateways for high-value travellers. The Middle East remains a strong market, and this new route enhances connectivity while directing broader benefits to local communities. It is a meaningful step in advancing Thailand as a leading destination for quality, sustainable travel.”

He added that the route directly supports Thailand’s Value over Volume direction by drawing high-value travellers to emerging destinations and creating opportunities for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, halal tourism providers, spas, sports and wellness services. The service also reinforces airline and investor confidence in Thailand’s readiness, world-class infrastructure and long-term commitment to sustainable development.

Air Arabia will operate one flight per day on the Sharjah–Krabi route, adding more than 5,220 monthly seats into the destination and expanding its Thailand network, which already includes 14 weekly flights each to Bangkok and Phuket. All Thailand-bound flights are operated with Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft offering 174–215 seats.

The new service also improves access for travellers from the Middle East as well as long-haul visitors from Europe and North Africa seeking convenient connections to southern Thai destinations such as Krabi, Phuket and surrounding areas.

TAT and Air Arabia are jointly organising a familiarisation trip for three media representatives and six corporate clients to explore Krabi from 28 November to 4 December 2025. This initiative builds on a series of earlier collaborations, including a media launch in Dubai in September promoting Krabi, a July fam trip for five Arab KOLs during the Chonburi Travel Mart, and several other joint marketing activities across the Middle East.

The Middle East remains one of Thailand’s most dynamic source markets. Travellers from Gulf Cooperation Council countries — including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman — show strong spending power, a preference for premium accommodation, and high interest in wellness and family travel. From 1 January to 23 November 2025, Thailand recorded more than 728,340 arrivals from the Middle East, with an average stay of 10 days and an estimated trip expenditure of around 100,000 Baht. Visitor numbers are expected to exceed 850,000 by year-end.

Image Credit: © TAT