The new direct routes by Saudia, previously known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, reflect growing demand for travel between Thailand and Saudi Arabia, enhancing tourism, trade and cultural exchanges, reported the TAT.
“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,” said Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, Middle East and Africa.
“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,” he added.
Saudia’s inaugural Riyadh-Phuket flight SV 852, which landed in Phuket on Monday (Dec 2), departed Riyadh at 11:25am and arrived in Phuket at 22:30pm. Onboard were H.E. Mr. Darm Boontham, Thailand’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, along with Ahman Mad-Adam, Director of the TAT Dubai and Middle East Office, and media representatives from the Middle East.
A welcome ceremony was held at Phuket International Airport, featuring a Thai puppeteers, the presentation of Thai souvenirs and flower garlands. Key attendees included Abdulaziz Alkhudhairi, Deputy Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Thailand; Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai and TAT’s Mr Siripakorn.
Also present were Reham Zarie, Saudia’s Regional Manager for Far East Asia, and Mohammad A Khairuldin, Saudia’s Station Manager for Thailand.
Phuket officials held their own less-high-profile event to welcome arrivals on the inaugural flight from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Phuket yesterday (Dec 4).
Saudia will operate the Riyadh-Phuket and Jeddah-Phuket routes with Boeing 787-9 aircraft, each offering three weekly flights through Feb 28, 2025, the TAT reported.
In addition, the airline currently operates four to five weekly flights from Jeddah to Bangkok, three from Riyadh to Bangkok, and three flights per week between Riyadh and Bangkok via Jeddah, the TAT said in its report.
Mr Siripakorn added, “The introduction of these non-stop flights comes at a time of growing tourism and economic cooperation between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. 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.
Thailand welcomed 209,929 Saudi travellers between Jan 1 and Nov 25, 2024, marking a 28.42% increase over 2023, the TAT confirmed in its report.
The majority (77.43%) were first-time visitors, while others returned two to four times (15.71%) or more than five times (6.86%), the report added,
Saudi tourists cite Thailand’s diverse attractions, hospitality, and cultural richness as key factors in their choice of destination, the TAT noted.