Saudia has resumed direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Phuket, with three nonstop flights a week from Riyadh and three nonstop flights a week from Jeddah.
The airline confirmed the relaunch in an announcement on its official X account, with the Jeddah service restarting on August 5, 2026.
The Phuket flight schedule
Both routes run three times a week, with the Jeddah service confirmed to restart on August 5, 2026.
| Route | Weekly frequency | Restarts |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh (RUH) – Phuket (HKT) | 3 nonstop flights per week | Confirmed by Saudia; exact date not specified in the announcement |
| Jeddah (JED) – Phuket (HKT) | 3 nonstop flights per week | August 5, 2026 |
Saudia hasn’t published day-by-day departure times for this relaunch yet. When the airline first launched the route in December 2024, it flew Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on both legs, on this schedule:
- Riyadh to Phuket (SV852): departed Riyadh 11:25, arrived Phuket 22:30
- Phuket to Riyadh (SV851): departed Phuket 15:20, arrived Riyadh 19:25
- Jeddah to Phuket: departed Jeddah 01:55, arrived Phuket 13:45
- Phuket to Jeddah: departed Phuket 23:45, arrived Jeddah 04:45
Those times are from the original December 2024 launch and may not carry over exactly to the current relaunch.
For the current schedule and fares, check Saudia’s Riyadh–Phuket booking page and Jeddah–Phuket booking page directly.
Why Saudia is bringing Phuket flights back
Saudia’s first nonstop Phuket service launched as a seasonal route, running three times weekly on each leg through February 2025, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Bringing it back for a second season signals steady demand rather than a one-off trial.
That demand has been building for a while. TAT reported that Thailand received 209,929 Saudi visitors between January and November 2024, a 28.42% jump year-on-year, with more than three-quarters of them first-time visitors.
TAT Deputy Governor Siripakorn Cheawsamoot called the original launch a step toward “deeper cultural” ties and “growing tourism and economic cooperation between Thailand and Saudi Arabia,” per the same TAT statement. The route sits alongside Saudia’s existing Bangkok service, which already runs several weekly flights from both Jeddah and Riyadh.
Visa rules for Saudi travellers heading to Phuket
Saudi passport holders currently don’t need a visa to enter Thailand for tourism. Thailand agreed to a visa waiver for Saudi citizens in 2022 following the restoration of full diplomatic ties between the two countries.
As of this article’s publication, Saudi nationals can stay visa-free for 60 days on arrival.
That’s set to change: Thailand’s cabinet approved a plan on May 19, 2026 to cut the visa-exempt stay for most nationalities, including Saudi Arabia, down to 30 days, but the rule hadn’t been published in the Royal Gazette or taken effect as of this writing.
- Before you book: confirm the current visa-exemption period on Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, since the 30-day rule could take effect on short notice.
- Have ready on arrival: a passport valid for at least six months, proof of onward travel, and accommodation details.
- Check before every trip: visa-exemption rules can change without much lead time, so re-verify close to your travel date rather than relying on your last trip’s rules.
Planning your trip to Phuket
As a live price snapshot on Wego on August 4, 2026, one-way economy fares for travel on August 20, 2026 started from around $263 per person for Riyadh–Phuket and $288 for Jeddah–Phuket, both on connecting itineraries via Sharjah with Air Arabia.
Saudia’s own nonstop service hadn’t appeared as a bookable fare in that search yet, likely because the relaunch is so new.
Fares change constantly, so treat these as a reference point rather than a quote. Check Wego’s Phuket flight search for live pricing on your travel dates.
If Phuket isn’t your only stop, Saudia’s Bangkok routes from both Jeddah and Riyadh can work as an alternative gateway, with onward domestic connections to Phuket. Compare both options and fares on Wego’s Phuket flight search.
For accommodation once you land, browse hotels in Phuket on Wego, from beachfront resorts to city-centre stays near Phuket Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Saudia’s Phuket flights restart?
Saudia’s Jeddah–Phuket service restarts on August 5, 2026, with three flights a week. Riyadh–Phuket also runs three times weekly, though Saudia’s announcement didn’t specify an exact restart date for that leg.
Do Saudi citizens need a visa to visit Phuket?
No, Saudi passport holders can currently enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. A change to 30 days has been approved but wasn’t yet in force at the time of publication, so check Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs site before you travel.
What aircraft does Saudia use on the Phuket route?
When Saudia first launched the route in December 2024, it used Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on both the Riyadh and Jeddah legs. The airline hasn’t published aircraft details for the current relaunch.
Sources
- Saudia (official X account) — Phuket flights resumption announcement
- Saudia — Riyadh to Phuket flight booking page
- Saudia — Jeddah to Phuket flight booking page
- TAT Newsroom (Tourism Authority of Thailand) — Thailand Celebrates Saudia’s Inaugural Non-Stop Flights to Phuket
- Simple Flying — Saudia Launches 787s To Phuket From Riyadh And Jeddah
- Arab News — Saudi citizens can visit Thailand with 30-day, no-fee visa
- The Thaiger — Thailand visa exemption in 2026: every nationality covered and what is changing
- TAT Newsroom — Thai Cabinet approves revision of 60-day visa exemption scheme pending Royal Gazette publication
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
