Scandinavians Gain Direct Winter Flights to Phuket for Faster Access to Thailand’s Beaches
From December 2025, travelers can fly nonstop with Norse Atlantic Airways from Scandinavia to Phuket, a popular spot in Southeast Asia for winter getaways. Departures from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) begin December 4, while Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) flights start on December 8. Both routes will operate once weekly during the winter season, reflecting strong interest in warm-weather travel from Northern Europe.
Starting this season, travelers from Sweden and Norway can skip the usual stopovers and get to Phuket more directly. The direct flights are expected to meet the needs of various traveler profiles, including:
- families seeking convenient holiday travel;
- retirees looking for extended stays in warmer climates;
- long-term visitors such as digital nomads or winter escapees.
The launch of direct services from Oslo and Stockholm to Phuket is a testament to that trust—and to our promise of making long-haul travel more accessible, more comfortable, and more inspiring. With these new routes, we continue our mission to connect continents with the spirit of exploration that has always been part of our Norse DNA.
Thanks to the new connections, visitors will have easier access to several of Phuket’s most popular natural and coastal attractions. Among them is Freedom Beach, known for its secluded setting and clear water just a short ride from Patong. Another draw is the Big Buddha, a 45-meter-tall hilltop statue offering panoramic views of southern Phuket. For marine enthusiasts, Coral Island (Koh Hae) can be accessed by boat and provides quieter spots for snorkeling and beach activities.
These flights give travelers a smoother path to spots beyond Phuket’s coast. Just a bit inland from Phuket’s coast, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary provides visitors with an ethical experience to observe rescued elephants living naturally and peacefully in their protected environment. Every weekend, Naka Night Market fills up with people sampling street food and checking out handmade crafts that tell the story of the area.
From a broader travel perspective, these non-stop flights represent a shift toward simplified long-haul journeys that respond to evolving traveler preferences. Reduced travel time and hassle are expected to help Scandinavian travelers plan better and may encourage more tourism to Thailand. More airlines focusing on direct seasonal routes means travelers can enjoy quicker and more flexible journeys to far-flung spots.