Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has inaugurated direct flights between Phuket and two major Saudi cities, Jeddah and Riyadh. This development marks a pivotal step in enhancing connectivity between Thailand and Saudi Arabia, fostering opportunities for travel, trade, and cultural exchange.
The inaugural flights were celebrated with send-off ceremonies at Phuket International Airport on 2 December 2024. The events were attended by prominent representatives from Saudia, the Airports of Thailand, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), highlighting the collaborative vision of strengthening bilateral ties.
“We are delighted to launch these new routes connecting the breathtaking island of Phuket to the vibrant cities of Jeddah and Riyadh,” said Musaed Al Musaed, AVP International Regions at Saudia. “This milestone reflects Saudia’s commitment to expanding our global network and providing exceptional travel experiences. We look forward to welcoming passengers aboard this direct service, offering convenient access to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond.”
The direct flights will operate three times per week on each route, with state-of-the-art aircraft providing passengers with a world-class travel experience. This enhanced connectivity also opens doors for travellers to explore Saudia’s extensive network of destinations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, deputy governor of international marketing (Europe, America, Middle East and Africa) at TAT, highlighted the significance of the new routes: “The launch of Saudia’s direct flights from Phuket to Jeddah and Riyadh is a testament to the growing interest in Thailand as a destination for travellers from the Middle East. This route will undoubtedly contribute to the thriving tourism industry in Phuket, (while) fostering cultural exchange and economic growth.”
Phuket International Airport’s general manager, Monchai Tanode, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This (new) route not only strengthens Thailand’s position as a premier global travel destination but also demonstrates our commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and support for our airline partners.”
The launch of these flights aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious initiative aimed at diversifying the kingdom’s economy and promoting tourism. By enhancing access to its key cities, Saudia is playing a crucial role in achieving this vision while facilitating global connectivity.
Travellers can now book flights to experience the convenience of these new routes and explore the wonders of Thailand and Saudi Arabia. For schedules and bookings, visit www.saudia.com.
Travel Frequency:
- Phuket to Jeddah (HKT to JED): Three times per week.
- Phuket to Riyadh (HKT to RUH): Three times per week.
These new flights are expected to strengthen the bonds between the two nations, creating a gateway for cultural enrichment and economic collaboration. 
