Etihad Airways is expanding its Southeast Asia network with a new daily non-stop service to Phuket (HKT) beginning this October. The route will launch on October 26 and will be operated using Airbus A330-200 aircraft, configured with 22 business class seats and 240 economy seats to serve leisure and business travelers heading to Thailand’s most popular island destination.
The new Phuket route marks Etihad’s second destination in Thailand and its seventh in Southeast Asia, joining existing services to Bangkok (BKK), Singapore (SIN), Manila (MNL), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Jakarta (CGK). Etihad’s growing footprint in the region reflects sustained demand for travel between the Middle East and Southeast Asia, with Phuket offering strong year-round appeal for beach, resort and cultural tourism.
James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways, said the expanded service builds on the airline’s strong performance in Thailand. Bangkok has been one of Etihad’s top-performing routes, carrying hundreds of thousands of passengers in recent years. Adding Phuket as a daily destination is a logical next step to meet customer demand and offer greater connectivity for passengers traveling to and from the region.
Service on the A330-200 will provide a mix of comfort and value. The business cabin features fully reclinable seating designed for long-haul comfort, while the economy cabin offers a high-density configuration to keep fares competitive and provide more options for travelers. The introduction of daily flights aims to improve schedule flexibility and enhance the choice of connections through Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub for onward international travel.
Phuket is one of Thailand’s leading international tourism destinations, known for its beaches, islands, dining and vibrant nightlife. The island also serves as a gateway to southern Thailand’s islands and marine attractions, making it an attractive addition to Etihad’s route map for vacationers as well as regional and international visitors seeking resort and leisure experiences.
Passengers traveling on the new service can expect to benefit from Etihad’s onboard amenities and service standards, which include in-flight entertainment, dining options tailored to different cabins, and frequent flyer benefits for eligible members. The daily timing and aircraft choice are intended to offer convenient connections for passengers originating from or connecting through Abu Dhabi.
Etihad’s continued expansion in Southeast Asia underlines the airline’s commitment to strengthening links between the Gulf and Asia-Pacific markets. By adding Phuket, Etihad increases options for travelers while supporting tourism and business ties between the UAE and Thailand. The move also complements existing services in the region and offers travelers more direct itineraries to a leisure-focused destination during peak and shoulder travel seasons.
As the airline prepares for the October launch, customers and travel partners can anticipate promotional offers, updated schedules and booking availability across Etihad’s channels. The addition of Phuket to Etihad’s network provides another daily connection for travelers seeking a reliable, full-service carrier to one of Thailand’s most popular island destinations.
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