TAT Welcomes Inaugural Arkia Israeli Airlines Flight from Tel Aviv to Bangkok
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed the inaugural direct flight from Tel Aviv to Bangkok operated by Arkia Israeli Airlines. Flight IZ591 arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport on 26 November at 15:50 Hrs. The new route marks an expansion of Thailand’s long-haul air connections and supports TAT’s airline focus strategy to grow key markets through improved direct connectivity.
The welcome ceremony was attended by Ms. Pornsiri Chardpornpun, Director of the Europe Market Division at TAT, and Ms. Meytal Dahan Mizrahi, Chief Operating Officer of Arkia Israeli Airlines, along with public- and private-sector tourism partners in Thailand.
Ms. Pornsiri noted that the launch of Arkia’s direct service strengthens Thailand’s long-haul network and advances TAT’s airline focus strategy by improving access from a market with stable travel demand. She added that direct connectivity supports Thailand’s global competitiveness and encourages longer stays from international visitors.
Arkia Israeli Airlines, Israel’s second-largest carrier, operates the Tel Aviv–Bangkok route with a 286-seat Airbus A330-200, offering two weekly flights on Mondays and Wednesdays. The service provides an alternative to the national carrier, El Al Israel Airlines, which previously operated the only direct flights between the two countries, thereby increasing travel options and supporting market development. TAT and Arkia are also planning joint campaigns to encourage further travel from Israel.
Israel remains a key long-haul source market for Thailand. Between 1 January and 17 November 2025, Thailand recorded 356,446 Israeli arrivals, representing an increase of nearly 50% year-on-year, the highest among Middle Eastern markets. Travel demand has been steady since the reopening of Israeli airspace in mid-2025, with vigorous booking activity projected through October 2025–March 2026.
Israeli visitors typically stay longer, averaging 19.17 days, and spend around 86,406 Baht per trip. The market is primarily composed of independent travellers, many visiting for the first time, with interests in extended stays, family travel, wellness experiences, and work-and-travel lifestyles.
TAT projects that arrivals from Israel will surpass 400,000 by the end of 2025, generating an estimated 34.56 billion Baht in tourism revenue.
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