Phuket International Airport General Manager Monchai Tanode told The Phuket News that Etihad Airways Flight ETD416 (share code EY416) landed without incident at 11:55am, with all 160 passengers disembarking normally at Terminal 1.
“All 160 passengers on board arrived safely. This has been confirmed by the pilot on the aircraft that there were no injuries,” Mr Monchai said.
The confirmation followed a wave of unverified reports circulating widely on Thai social media earlier today, which claimed that several passengers had been injured during turbulence. Some posts went further, falsely stating that the aircraft had crashed.
In an official clarification issued by Phuket Airport, officials explained that preparations were made as a precaution after airline staff alerted airport medical personnel at about 11am that the aircraft had encountered turbulence and that the number of possible injuries was unknown at that time.
According to the airport statement, coordination was immediately established with the Narenthorn Emergency Medical Center and its emergency response network. Aircraft parking bay 15 was prepared, while airport fire and rescue teams, medical staff and ground personnel were placed on standby to provide assistance to passengers and crew upon arrival.
The aircraft touched down at Phuket Airport at 11:50am. Initial medical checks conducted after landing confirmed that no passengers or crew members had been injured as a result of the turbulence.
Phuket Airport stressed that the incident did not affect airport services or operations.
“Phuket Airport places the highest priority on the safety and peace of mind of all passengers,” the statement said, noting that emergency response plans are in place and that regular drills are conducted in line with international aviation standards to ensure a timely and effective response to any situation.
The airport also expressed thanks to Vachira Phuket Hospital, Thalang Hospital, Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, Bangkok Hospital Siriroj and Bangkok Hospital Phuket for their preparedness and coordination during the precautionary response.
Phuket Airport reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety, professionalism and service, and urged the public to rely on verified information from official sources.