DUBAI- Emirates (EK) is adding a third daily flight between Dubai (DXB) and Phuket (HKT), operated by its new Airbus A350. The service brings the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy cabin to the Thai resort island for the first time.
The extra frequency lifts Emirates’ Phuket schedule to 21 weekly services, flown by a mix of Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s. The move responds to strong summer travel demand from Europe and the Middle East and strengthens both passenger and cargo links through Dubai (DXB).
Emirates Expands Phuket Flights
The new daily service gives travelers more choice on one of Thailand’s most popular leisure routes. The flight schedule is as follows:
- Emirates flight EK390 departs Dubai at 22:40hrs and arrives in Phuket at 08:10hrs the following day.
- The return service, EK391, leaves Phuket at 10:00hrs and lands in Dubai at 13:05hrs. All times are local.
The early morning arrival into Phuket suits customers connecting via Dubai from European cities including Manchester, Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Frankfurt, along with Kuwait and Bahrain.
The added frequency also creates convenient onward links from Phuket to key markets across Europe and the Middle East, such as Madrid, Munich, Birmingham, Brussels, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Edinburgh, Zurich, and Amman.
Introducing the A350 and Premium Economy to Phuket
Emirates operates the new service with an Airbus A350-900 in a three-class layout. The aircraft offers 32 lie-flat Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 238 Economy Class seats.
The cabin features Emirates’ next-generation products and several new onboard touches. These include wireless charging in Business Class, electronically controlled window blinds that display an Emirates Ghaf tree motif when closed in the premium cabins, and digital inflight menus on the ice screens.
The A350 carries the latest version of the ice inflight entertainment system, with 4K and 4K HDR displays on responsive touchscreens. The aircraft also provides high-performance Wi-Fi powered by ViaSat’s Global Xpress (GX) satellite network. Improved Wireless Access Points onboard deliver up to ten times the current average aircraft bandwidth.
Premium Economy passengers receive a 35 kg checked baggage allowance and 10 kg of carry-on baggage.
Stronger Cargo Links from Phuket
The introduction of EK391 improves cargo connectivity from Phuket by adding a daytime departure to Dubai. The service creates better connection options to onward gateways across Europe, the UK, Africa, the GCC, and North America. It supports shipments of perishables, electronic components, and general cargo.
Commitment to Thailand
The Phuket expansion builds on Emirates’ continued investment in Thailand. Recent developments include the opening of its renovated lounge at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport’s SAT-1 terminal and the launch of its Emirates World Store at Gaysorn Centre in Bangkok.
The airline also introduced fifth freedom services last year connecting Bangkok with Siem Reap in Cambodia and Da Nang in Vietnam, reinforcing its role as a connecting point in Southeast Asia.
Beyond Phuket, Emirates offers its award-winning Premium Economy product on flights EK372 and EK373 between Dubai and Bangkok, operated by a four-class A380.
Phuket Travel Guide
Phuket ranks among Thailand’s most popular island destinations, offering a rare mix of lush tropics and pristine coastline. Most international travelers reach the island through Phuket International Airport (HKT), which links to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) via carriers such as Thai Airways (TG) and Bangkok Airways (PG).
A one-week trip to Phuket covers the island’s finest beaches, an ethical elephant sanctuary, scenic island day trips, and some of the best beach clubs in the region. Two contrasting resorts, Centara Villas on Karon Beach and Twinpalms Phuket on Surin Beach, anchor a stay that balances luxury with a genuine tropical escape.
Planning a One Week Phuket Escape
Phuket suits first-time visitors to Thailand because it combines tropical scenery, cultural sites, and easy beach access on a single island. A week gives enough time to enjoy the coastline, take day trips to nearby islands, and explore local food and temples without rushing. The itinerary below groups the island’s highlights into beaches, wildlife experiences, boat excursions, and dining.
Where to Stay in Phuket
A stay split across two resorts offers variety in setting and style. Centara Villas sits on a cliff overlooking Karon Beach, with Thai-style villas that carry a quiet, romantic feel and wide sea views. Twinpalms Phuket sits opposite Surin Beach and delivers a chic, tranquil atmosphere along with the comforts of a luxury resort. Twinpalms is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and stays conveniently close to the airport.
Best Beaches in Phuket
Phuket is known for beaches that pair lush greenery with clear water. Surin Beach, Bangtao Beach, and Kamala Beach stand out as quieter, scenic options. Patong Beach and Karon Beach remain popular for travelers who prefer a lively setting with cafes, shops, and nightlife nearby. Freedom Beach is harder to reach but rewards the effort with an unspoiled stretch of sand.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Experiences
An ethical elephant sanctuary makes for a memorable day on the island. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and Phuket Elephant Sanctuary are two recommended options in the Phuket area, both focused on observing and caring for the animals rather than riding them.
Day Trip to the Phi Phi Islands
A boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands is a highlight of any Phuket visit. Key stops include the Koh Phi Phi Leh Lagoon, the famous Maya Bay, and nearby Bamboo Island. Travelers with extra time can stay overnight on one of the islands to enjoy the scenery beyond the day crowds.
Day Trip to Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is a must see for its towering limestone cliffs, mangrove forests, and scattered small islands. The bay offers snorkeling and kayaking around its many caves and lagoons. It is also home to the well known James Bond Island and the floating village of Koh Panyi. Trips here can be affected by weather, so flexible scheduling helps.
Old Town Phuket and Cultural Sights
Old Town Phuket is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon among its historic streets. Other cultural and sightseeing options across the island include the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong temple, a Muay Thai match, and a walk along Bangla Road.
Where to Eat in Phuket
Phuket has a strong lineup of restaurants and beach clubs. Palm Seaside on Bangtao Beach serves fresh seafood with postcard views and standout sunsets. Catch Beach Club, also on Bangtao Beach, is one of the trendiest spots on the island and is known for its BBQ buffet and relaxed evening atmosphere. HQ Beach Lounge on Kamala Beach is a good lunch choice, with delicious seafood and views over the beach.
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