Phuket airport (file photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran)The Thai Hotels Association's Southern Chapter has urged the authorities to increase direct flights from Europe to Phuket to stabilise tourism amid travel disruptions caused by the Middle East war. Thanawat Ongcharoen, the association's vice president for administration, said the situation in the Middle East in early March caused sudden disruptions in the aviation sector, with several airlines suspending flights. Short-haul Asian tourists stay about 6–7 days, while Middle Eastern visitors typically stay 13–14 days, he said. Therefore, increasing direct flights from Europe to Thailand could help reduce travel costs for them and support their demand, he said. "Our association is calling on the government to increase the number of direct flights from Europe to Phuket to strengthen tourism stability and ensure more reliable air travel routes," said Mr Thanawat.

Source: Bangkok Post April 05, 2026 22:14 UTC