In an update issued yesterday (Mar 1), airport officials said the disruption involved 11 outbound and 11 inbound flights operated by Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia and Unicom (private flight).
In a separate update later in the day, the airport reported that a total of 24 flights from five airlines had been impacted, adding Emirates and Unicair (private flights) to the list of affected carriers.
Airport authorities urged passengers to check flight status directly with their airlines, closely monitor announcements and allow extra time when travelling to the airport to avoid disruption. Further information is available at the information counter on the third floor of the International Terminal or by calling 076-352302.
The disruption follows an incident on Saturday (Feb 28) involving Etihad Airways flight ETD 417 on the Phuket-Abu Dhabi route. The aircraft departed Phuket at 3:30pm before the airline reassessed the security situation in the Middle East.
The flight crew subsequently changed course and returned to Phuket as a precaution. The plane landed safely at 8:30pm the same day. The airline is continuing to assess the situation and provide assistance to passengers in line with procedures.
Phuket Airport said it has expedited measures to assist stranded passengers, including providing drinking water, a designated waiting area in the international terminal and support from public relations officers. A tourist coordination centre has also been made available.
The airport confirmed it is closely monitoring the evolving situation and coordinating with airlines and relevant agencies as uncertainty in the Middle East continues to affect international flight operations.
Meanwhile, Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn has relayed a public notice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urging Thai nationals in the Middle East to contact their nearest embassy if they require urgent assistance. Emergency hotline numbers for Royal Thai embassies and consulates across the region have been issued to ensure Thais can quickly access consular support if needed.