PHUKET, THAILAND – Twenty-five flights were cancelled at Phuket International Airport after escalating conflict in the Middle East forced airlines to reroute or suspend services.
Airport operations hit by Middle East conflict
Phuket International Airport reported significant disruption to flight operations due to the impact of the Middle East conflict on international airspace. The airport authority said on 1 March that a total of 25 flights had been cancelled, affecting services operated by Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and private carrier Unicair.
The cancellations were linked to the ongoing fighting in the Middle East, which led to the closure of affected airspace. Airlines avoided the region and were forced to reroute flights over longer distances, causing substantial delays or, in many cases, complete cancellations.
Airport steps up support for stranded passengers
The airport authority introduced immediate measures to assist stranded travellers. Additional waiting areas were set up in the international terminal, drinking water was provided and a dedicated coordination centre for tourists was put into operation.
Extra staff were deployed to help passengers rebook flights and arrange onward travel. The authority urged all affected travellers to remain calm and to contact the information counters inside the terminal for guidance.
Wider impact on Bangkok and Thai Airways
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport also experienced cancellations and schedule changes after several Middle Eastern and Israeli carriers suspended or adjusted their operations. Numerous flights between Thailand and Europe were rerouted to avoid conflict-affected airspace, extending travel times by up to two hours.
Thai Airways International stated that its own flights continued to operate according to schedule, but European routes were also adjusted. Airports and airlines closely monitored the situation and called on passengers to check their flight status directly with their airline before travelling.
Advice and contacts for affected travellers
Travellers whose flights were cancelled were advised to contact their airline without delay. The information released included key customer service contacts for Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Air Arabia and Phuket Airport.
Passengers were asked to allow for additional waiting time, keep their travel insurance documents readily available and address any rebooking questions directly to the airline counters in the terminal. The airport authority warned that further cancellations could not be ruled out given the uncertain situation in the Middle East.