Riyadh Air launches new direct Riyadh-Bangkok service
The three-times-weekly service will become daily in October, adding about 3,840 inbound seats a month as Thailand targets Saudi visitors
- Riyadh Air has launched a new direct flight service between Riyadh and Bangkok, initially operating three times a week.
- The frequency of the service is scheduled to increase to daily flights (seven per week) starting in October.
- The route, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, is expected to strengthen tourism and trade links between Thailand and Saudi Arabia.
- This non-stop service provides travelers with a direct option to Thailand, avoiding connections through other Middle Eastern hubs like Doha or Dubai.
Riyadh Air has launched direct flights between Riyadh and Bangkok, initially operating three services a week before increasing the frequency to seven flights a week in October.
Chiravadee Khunsub, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) deputy governor for international marketing in Europe, America, the Middle East and Africa, welcomed the inaugural flight at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thursday (September 3, 2026).
TAT expects the route to strengthen tourism and transport links between Thailand and Saudi Arabia while supporting opportunities in trade and investment. It is also intended to help rebuild the Saudi visitor market following a decline in arrivals this year.
Three weekly flights before daily service
TAT said the inaugural flight left King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 10.15pm on Wednesday (September 2) and arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 10.35am the following day after a journey of about seven hours and 20 minutes.
Bangkok was announced as Riyadh Air’s 14th destination on sale. The route is operated with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The initial schedule is:
- Flights from Riyadh depart every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- Return flights from Bangkok operate every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
- Each aircraft can accommodate up to 290 passengers.
- The route will provide an estimated 3,840 inbound seats a month during the initial phase.
The non-stop service gives travellers another option for reaching Thailand without connecting through Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Saudi arrivals fall despite high spending
Thailand recorded 121,907 Saudi visitors so far in 2026, down 14.62% from 142,774 during the same period in 2025.
TAT regards the Middle East as an important long-haul market because of its visitors’ spending power. July through September is the region’s summer and a peak period for outbound travel, Chiravadee said.
Saudi travellers typically visit in large family groups, staying for an average of 10 to 12 days and spending about 110,000 baht per person per trip.
Their principal interests include:
- Shopping.
- Beaches and coastal destinations.
- Nature.
- Thai food.
- Medical and wellness tourism.
Travel is also beginning to spread beyond Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya to Krabi, Phang Nga, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai.
TAT believes Thailand can compete for this market through its climate, natural attractions, healthcare services and leisure facilities.
TAT targets high-value travel segments
The tourism authority plans to use the additional flight capacity to reach more family, luxury, wellness and medical travellers from Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.
Its marketing priorities include:
- Developing Muslim-friendly tourism products.
- Expanding the availability of halal food.
- Providing suitable facilities for Muslim visitors.
- Promoting Thailand through digital platforms and online travel agencies.
- Working with Saudi government agencies and private companies.
TAT said the close relationship between Thailand and Saudi Arabia would support tourism marketing and collaboration between the two countries.
Gala dinner marks new route
Riyadh Air held the “TAT x Riyadh Air - A New Era of Travel Gala Dinner 2026” at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, on Thursday evening to mark the route’s launch and promote further tourism cooperation.
HE Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Alsuhaibani, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Thailand, opened the event. Riyadh Air chief executive Tony Douglas and Chiravadee also welcomed guests.
