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Etihad Launches First Direct Flight from Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai

Featured Replies

 

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Pictures courtesy of SiamRath 

 

Etihad Airways has officially launched its inaugural direct service between Abu Dhabi and Chiang Mai, marking a major milestone in strengthening northern Thailand’s connectivity with the Middle East and Europe. The first flight, EY426, arrived at Chiang Mai International Airport at 06:30 on 4 November 2025, where it received a warm welcome from provincial and tourism officials.

 

The ceremony was attended by Wisut Kamyod, Deputy Director of Chiang Mai Airport (Operations and Maintenance), along with senior executives from Etihad Airways, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and other government agencies. Passengers on the first flight were greeted by Chiang Mai Deputy Governor Weeraphong Ritrod and TAT Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning Chuwit Siriwechakul, who presented them with traditional Lanna-style elephant pants and elephant keychains as souvenirs, showcasing the region’s cultural identity.

 

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), operates flights to over 70 destinations worldwide. The new Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai route will run four times weekly, forming a vital new link that enhances tourism potential and facilitates travel between northern Thailand, the Middle East and Europe. The service is part of Etihad’s winter schedule expansion and reflects growing demand for international travel to secondary Thai destinations.


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The launch also demonstrates Chiang Mai International Airport’sreadiness to accommodate expanding air traffic. The airport currently serves eight domestic routes, including U-Tapao, Krabi, Phuket, Khon Kaen, Surat Thani, Hat Yai, and Udon Thani, with AirAsia set to increase Udon Thani services in December. Internationally, Chiang Mai is connected to key cities across Asia such as Guangzhou, Taipei, Beijing, Kaohsiung, Shanghai, Kunming, Xi’an, Incheon, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Mandalay, Yangon, Singapore, Kansai, Luang Prabang, Hanoi and Chengdu.

 

Recent additions include routes to Lanzhou by Spring Airlines and Jinghong by Ruili Airlines, further expanding Chiang Mai’s international flight network. Airport authorities said these developments will boost regional tourism and economic growth, particularly ahead of Thailand’s high tourist season.

 

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Key Takeaways

 

• Etihad Airways launched its first direct Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai flight on 4 November 2025.

• The route, operating four times a week, connects northern Thailand with the Middle East and Europe.

• The expansion strengthens Chiang Mai’s role as an international tourism and aviation hub.

 

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image.png  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Siamrath 2025-11-05

 

 

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Potentionally good news for us up north , no awful and long bus rides to Bangkok again.

4 hours ago, FlorC said:

Potentionally good news for us up north , no awful and long bus rides to Bangkok again.

Why not just fly to BKK? It’s relatively inexpensive considering the gruesome journey by bus

1 hour ago, Unclernie said:

Why not just fly to BKK? It’s relatively inexpensive considering the gruesome journey by bus

Ok if you live in CM.

I'm not taking a bus to CM for a domestic flight , transfer, then to Abu Dhabi , stopover and then europe.

On 11/5/2025 at 3:31 AM, Georgealbert said:

Etihad Airways has officially launched its inaugural direct service between Abu Dhabi and Chiang Mai,

 

Will they be flying Sopwith Camels?

 

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On 11/5/2025 at 3:31 AM, Georgealbert said:

Recent additions include routes to Lanzhou by Spring Airlines and Jinghong by Ruili Airlines,

 

   Where can you book those flights ?

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