HAT YAI, Thailand – An accident involving an airport fire truck disrupted operations at Hat Yai International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, forcing the closure of its primary runway.
Fire truck involved in accident on runway
The airport’s fire truck was involved in the incident on Runway 26, leading airport management to immediately suspend all activity on the vital strip. The complete flight ban took effect at 1:55 PM. An official aviation notice, known as a NOTAM, was subsequently issued by the airport.
Planes circle over Krabi
Landing aircraft were unable to proceed during the runway closure. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed planes diverting their course and heading towards the coast. At least two flights, Thai Airways flight TG263 and Thai Lion Air flight SL712, were rerouted to Krabi Airport.
“We were only informed of an emergency”
A concerned relative of a passenger on flight TG263 sought answers and contacted Hat Yai Airport. They were informed only that an emergency had occurred. No further details regarding the runway incident were provided at that time. Passengers were advised to monitor updates from their respective airlines.
TG263 lands safely – Airport assesses damage
The anxious wait for relatives concluded when Thai Airways flight TG263 landed safely in Krabi, having been diverted due to the closed runway in Hat Yai. Cleanup operations were expected to conclude and Runway 26 to be reopened around 4:30 PM. The exact cause of the accident remained under investigation.