Etihad Airways unveils luxurious flatbeds to Phuket in 2025

Etihad Airways is set to elevate the travel experience between Abu Dhabi and Phuket, unveiling plans to launch flights on the Airbus A321LR, featuring flatbed business class seats, from August 2025.

The airline’s booking engine has already confirmed these details, showcasing its ambition to connect the UAE with the tropical paradise of Thailand in unprecedented comfort.

The inaugural flight on this route is scheduled for August 1, 2025, under the flight numbers EY414 and EY415. These flights will be operated by the narrowbody A321LR, equipped with three cabin classes, including two luxurious first-class seats, 16 business-class flatbeds, and 144 economy seats.

However, this sleek aircraft won’t be the only one on the route, Etihad has also scheduled two additional daily flights, EY412 and EY410, which will be served by the larger Boeing 787-10.

To strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia, Etihad Airways has announced plans to boost its flight frequency to Thailand, increasing to 41 weekly flights by October next year. This includes three daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok and a whopping 20 weekly services to Phuket. These expansions are poised to make Etihad the dominant Gulf carrier on the Thailand route.

From November 2025 through March 2026, the Boeing 787-9 will be the exclusive aircraft on the Abu Dhabi–Phuket route. The larger 787-10 will rejoin the fleet on this route in April 2026. Meanwhile, Etihad remains the only airline increasing its frequency to Phuket, with other Gulf carriers like Oman Air and SalamAir reducing their services, reported Simple Flying.

In related news, flooding across Phuket is wreaking havoc on travellers bound for the island’s international airport, as waterlogged roads spark major disruptions. Local officials are urging passengers to rethink their travel plans, advising them to allow an extra three to four hours to reach the airport in these treacherous conditions.

In other news, Indian low-cost airline SpiceJet unveiled its latest venture: daily non-stop flights connecting Delhi to Phuket, which launched on May 31.