PHUKET, THAILAND – Disruptions to key European transit routes caused by the Middle East conflict hit tourism on Phuket and prompted calls for more direct flights from Europe.
Call for more direct flights to Phuket
The Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association called on authorities to enable more direct flights from Europe to Phuket, aiming to stabilize tourism despite ongoing travel disruptions.
Vice President Thanawat Ongcharoen said more reliable flight routes could reduce dependence on transit hubs and make travel planning easier for visitors.
“More dependable flight connections would lessen reliance on transit routes and improve predictability for travelers.”
said Thanawat Ongcharoen, vice president of the Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association.
Sudden air traffic disruption from Middle East war
According to Thanawat, the situation in the Middle East led in early March to abrupt disruptions in aviation after several airlines suspended flights.
The short-notice halt triggered panic among travelers because many were unable to adjust their itineraries in time.
European arrivals fall as transit reliance emerges as risk
Arrivals from Europe at Phuket International Airport fell by 4% between 16 and 29 March.
Normally these numbers grew by 1–2%, but about 25–30% of flights used transit routes over the Middle East, which, according to the association, amplified the impact.
Asia offsets declines as China posts strong gains
In contrast, Asian source markets performed strongly, especially China, which recorded a 47% increase in arrivals in the first half of March.
As a result, overall hotel occupancy on Phuket remained stable, according to the association.
Hotels focused on Middle East visitors hit hardest
Many hotels that relied heavily on guests from the Middle East reported significant drops in occupancy.
Other properties saw only minor declines but struggled to maintain their room rates, which Thanawat linked to limited flight options and the small number of airlines operating normally.
Oceania continues to grow as arrivals edge up
The market from Oceania, including Australia and New Zealand, continued to grow, Thanawat said.
Overall tourist numbers still rose slightly in mid-March, up by 1.45%.
More hotel rooms but only modest demand growth
Thanawat noted that hotel supply on Phuket had increased by 10–15%, while demand grew by only 1–2%.
This gap put pressure on occupancy rates even though total arrivals did not collapse.
Why length of stay matters for Phuket
An important factor, according to the association, was length of stay: short-haul visitors from Asia stayed on average about 6–7 days.
Guests from the Middle East typically remained 13–14 days, making them particularly valuable for hotels and local businesses.
Start of the green season: which markets now sustain Phuket
Phuket entered its low or “Green Season” from April to June, Thanawat said.
During this period, Russia, India and China were described as key markets supporting the province’s tourism.
Europe as a long-stay market: focus on Germany and France
European travelers, especially from Germany and France, often stayed longer than 10 days, according to Thanawat.
More direct flights from Europe to Thailand could lower travel costs and support demand, which is why the association urged the government to add direct connections to Phuket.
Prices, oil and Songkran: hotels turn to promotions
Asst Prof Chayanon Phucharoen of the Prince of Songkla University (Phuket Campus) said room rates had risen only slightly despite higher oil prices.
Hotels kept prices stable and increasingly relied on promotions, particularly ahead of Songkran, to attract domestic tourists.