Phuket welcomes Etihad Airways in reopening to international tourism

Etihad Airways was the first international flight to land in Phuket yesterday, to mark the reopening of tourism to Thailand. To celebrate the occasion the aircraft was greeted with the customary water cannon salute on arrival.

 

Etihad flight EY430 from Abu Dhabi to Phuket arrived at Phuket International Airport at 11am on 1 July, and is the first Etihad flight to return to Thailand since the start of the pandemic.  Image:  Etihad Airways

 

The airline will operate three weekly flights to the island of Phuket, helping to support the recovery and bring tourism back to Thailand.

 

Martin Drew, senior vice president global sales and cargo, said: “Etihad’s return to Phuket is a fantastic step forward as we reopen a very popular holiday destination for travellers from the UAE, and we’re proud to be the first international flight to arrive since the pandemic halted travel last year. Holiday makers from Europe and further afield can also easily connect through Abu Dhabi and on to Phuket, and can enjoy the benefits of flying in safety and comfort on Etihad’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.”