Thai travellers are increasingly looking beyond single-destination trips, embracing multi-country itineraries and long-haul journeys to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, with Dubai emerging as a key hub connecting them to destinations around the world. As a gateway to the global network, Dubai continues to play an important role in connecting Thai travellers with international destinations. As of 30 April 2026, Dubai’s airports had safely handled more than six million passengers and over 32,000 flights, underscoring the city’s continued position as one of the world’s major global travel hubs.
The latest Emirates booking data reflects continued strong demand for international travel from Thailand, with Dubai ranking among the airline’s strongest-performing destinations, alongside popular destinations such as Milan, New York and London Heathrow. This highlights Dubai’s growing role as a global gateway for Thai travellers seeking to explore destinations around the world.
At the same time, demand for premium travel experiences in Thailand continues to grow. Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin has maintained strong momentum, carrying 1,642 passengers between Q2 and Q3 2026. The Bangkok–Dubai route recorded the strongest Premium Economy performance among Emirates’ routes from Thailand, followed by Bangkok–New York via Dubai, Phuket–Dubai, Bangkok–London Heathrow via Dubai, and Bangkok–Milan via Dubai. The figures reflect growing demand among travellers for greater comfort and enhanced convenience on long-haul journeys.
To support evolving travel preferences, Emirates continues to strengthen connectivity from Thailand. The airline currently operates 35 weekly flights between Bangkok and Dubai and has recently added a third daily flight from Phuket, bringing the total number of weekly Phuket services to 21.
In addition to connecting Thailand with Dubai and Emirates’ network of more than 140 destinations, Emirates also supports Bangkok’s role as a regional aviation hub through its Fifth Freedom services to Siem Reap and Da Nang. These services provide travellers with greater choice, flexibility and convenience when travelling across Southeast Asia.
Emirates continues to invest in product innovation across all cabins. Passengers travelling via Dubai can experience the airline’s latest Premium Economy cabin, featuring spacious seats, wireless device charging, and Emirates’ ice inflight entertainment system with 4K HDR screens, complemented by enhanced onboard amenities designed to deliver an elevated travel experience.
Further enhancing the inflight experience, Emirates has also introduced its new U-Dream Headrest for Economy Class passengers, scheduled to be rolled out during the second half of the year. The innovative headrest can be adjusted in multiple directions and is designed to provide enhanced support for the head and neck, particularly during long-haul flights.
“Thailand is one of Emirates’ most important markets in Southeast Asia. Our commitment to the Thai market goes beyond simply adding more capacity. With 35 weekly flights between Bangkok and Dubai, alongside the expansion of our Phuket services, we are providing Thai travellers with greater choice and connectivity to destinations around the world. However, connectivity alone is not enough,” said Mohammed Al Wahedi, Emirates Country Manager for Thailand.
“We want our customers to feel confident and comfortable throughout every stage of their journey, from booking through to arrival at their destination. That is why we continue to provide greater flexibility and peace of mind, from flexible booking conditions on eligible fares for travel to Dubai to more convenient refund options. Our aim is to enable Thai travellers to book with confidence, travel with confidence and plan their journeys with greater flexibility.”
Beyond its extensive global network, Emirates offers a range of services designed to make international travel more convenient and accessible. Students travelling overseas can benefit from dedicated student fares, which include additional baggage allowance and greater booking flexibility.
Meanwhile, Emirates Skywards members can enjoy more ways to redeem their miles across shopping, dining and airport experiences. Emirates Skywards’ latest September promotions have provided members with even greater value through Skywards Everyday, Skywards Miles Mall, Dubai Duty Free, the Emirates Official Store and Marhaba lounges, enabling travellers to unlock more value throughout every stage of their journey.
