Published by Settle in Abroad – Your Relocation Experts in Thailand
There’s exciting news for anyone thinking about moving to Northern Thailand — Chiang Mai now has a direct connection to the Middle East.
Etihad has officially launched its Abu Dhabi → Chiang Mai route, giving travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and many other regions a much smoother journey into northern Thailand. No more connecting through Bangkok, no extra domestic flight, no long layovers. You can now land directly where you want to be.
It’s a major shift for anyone considering a long-term stay. As our CEO, Amanda Gedney, shared with TimeOut, this new route will make it “faster and more convenient” for newcomers to reach Chiang Mai and it truly will.
What This New Flight Route Means for Future Relocators
Whether you’re looking at Chiang Mai for retirement, remote work, or a long stay, international convenience matters. Here are a few ways this new route changes the experience:
Easier travel days
Long travel days get shorter when you can skip an entire connection. Fewer flights also mean less stress, especially after a long international journey.
More predictable travel
With one less layover, there are fewer chances for delays, missed connections, or unexpected schedule issues.
Better access for visiting friends and family
Anyone coming to see you, parents, friends, kids, grandkids, can now get to Chiang Mai more easily too. That alone makes a huge difference for long-term living.
Stronger global access to Northern Thailand
For people exploring cities beyond Bangkok, this opens the door to the north’s mountains, culture, and slower pace without the extra steps.
Why This Matters for Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has become one of Thailand’s most popular places for long-term living, thanks to its friendly atmosphere, nature, coworking cafés, and lower cost of living. A direct international route makes it even more appealing for foreigners choosing where to settle.
And with Settle in Abroad headquartered right here in the city, we’ve already seen how this kind of access makes the relocation process smoother for clients arriving from overseas.
Is Chiang Mai on Your Radar?
If you’ve been thinking about Chiang Mai, as a retirement destination, a remote-work base, or a long-term home, this new route removes one of the biggest travel hurdles. Getting here is now easier, faster, and far more convenient.
And that simple change might make your decision a little clearer.
