If friends or family are planning a visit this season, there is good news. Four new direct routes to Phuket start in October 2026, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand figures reported on 29 September.
Virgin Atlantic starts London to Phuket on 18 October, three flights a week. Edelweiss Air starts Zurich to Phuket on 25 October, also three a week. Kuwait Airways begins Kuwait to Phuket on 27 October, twice a week, and Belavia begins Minsk to Phuket on 29 October, twice a week.
The context is a small dip. From January to August 2026, Phuket had about 9.2 million visitors, down 1.76 percent on the same period of 2025. Foreign arrivals fell about 2.5 percent to roughly 6.8 million, while Thai visitors edged up 0.46 percent. Tourism revenue was down about 1 percent. Average hotel occupancy was 66.2 percent. The top three markets were Russia, China and India.
The article does not give a reason for the dip, and it does not give a forecast, so avoid reading too much into either number.
What it means for residents: more direct seats usually means easier visits from Europe and, over time, better fares. High season is also when beaches, roads and restaurants fill up, so book popular spots earlier than you would in the quiet months.