Thailand’s alliance with Etihad Airways, formalized through a Memorandum of Cooperation at the Arabian Travel Market 2025, introduces new routes to Krabi and Chiang Mai alongside existing service to Bangkok and Phuket. This partnership utilizes Etihad’s Airbus A321LR aircraft, expanding passenger and cargo capacity, and aims to boost visitor numbers by leveraging Etihad’s global network. Economic benefits include increased tourism revenue, job creation, and closer UAE-Thailand ties. Additional specifics and future developments are outlined in the following sections.
Although international aviation partnerships are common in today’s globalized travel industry, the recent Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Etihad Airways and Thailand’s Tourism Authority marks a significant development for both parties. Announced at the Arabian Travel Market 2025, this collaboration aims to strengthen relations between the United Arab Emirates and Thailand, positioning Thailand as a premier global leisure destination by leveraging Etihad’s expansive network.
The Etihad-Thailand partnership marks a major step in elevating Thailand’s profile as a top-tier global leisure destination.
The MoC outlines a strategy focused on promoting high-quality travel experiences through coordinated marketing efforts and aligns Etihad’s mission of providing extraordinary journeys with Thailand’s vision for its tourism sector. In line with this, the collaborative activities and promotions set forth in the MoC are designed to advocate high-quality travel experiences for visitors.
A key component of the partnership is network expansion, with Etihad introducing two new Thai destinations—Krabi in October 2025 and Chiang Mai in November 2025. These additions raise the total number of Etihad’s Thai gateways to four, joining established routes to Bangkok and Phuket. Across all routes, Etihad will deploy the Airbus A321LR, enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
The integration of these destinations within Etihad’s global network guarantees seamless connections for international travelers, while the Thai market stands as a priority within Etihad’s sixteen new routes set for 2025. This partnership is part of Etihad’s commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences, reflecting its ongoing efforts to collaborate with local tourism authorities.
Joint global marketing campaigns will highlight Thailand’s diverse cultural, natural, and wellness attractions, aiming to attract Etihad’s broad international customer base. The partnership also seeks to promote Thailand as a year-round destination, reducing seasonal tourism volatility through collaborative events, digital promotions, and agent training.
Focus is placed on premium travel experiences, including luxury accommodations and unique local offerings.
Economically, the partnership is projected to increase tourism revenue for Thailand by attracting more visitors from Etihad’s network, while also supporting job creation in hospitality and aviation. Enhanced connectivity between the UAE and Thailand’s secondary cities is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Operationally, the use of A321LR aircraft enables higher flight frequency, improved fuel efficiency, and expanded cargo capacity to support Thai exports. Future projections indicate an increase in Etihad’s market share within the Southeast Asian leisure sector, with potential code-sharing to extend domestic Thai connectivity and tailored in-flight services enhancing the overall customer experience.
