Phuket Airport Shuts Down After Navy Jet Incident, Leaving Travellers Stranded
A technical fault on a Royal Thai Navy jet brings Phuket International Airport to a standstill, with hundreds of passengers facing delays as safety teams rush to respond.
Navy Jet Blocks Phuket Runway, Disrupting Flights
On October 8 at 11:14 am, a Royal Thai Navy T-337 aircraft suffers a landing gear malfunction at Phuket International Airport. The plane comes to a halt on the runway, immediately blocking all air traffic.
Airport officials react quickly, closing the runway at 11:42 am to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. “Our top priority is the safety of everyone at the airport,” a spokesperson says.
Passengers Urged to Check Flight Status
With the runway shut until 3:00 pm, hundreds of travellers face uncertainty and missed connections. The airport urges passengers to check their flight status directly with airlines to avoid further inconvenience.
“We sincerely apologise for the disruption,” airport management states, emphasising the need for patience. The Royal Thai Navy also issues a formal apology, highlighting their commitment to safety.
Swift Response from Airport and Emergency Teams
Specialist teams work under pressure to remove the stranded Navy jet from the runway. The collaboration between airport staff, Navy personnel, and emergency services proves seamless.
Experts inspect the runway for damage before allowing flights to resume. “We want to reassure everyone that no risks remain,” officials confirm.
Investigation Underway as Normal Operations Resume
By 3:00 pm, Phuket International Airport reopens, and flights gradually return to schedule. The cause of the technical fault is under investigation to prevent future incidents.
Authorities stress that the quick, coordinated response demonstrates their dedication to passenger safety. The main keyword, Navy jet, remains central to the incident, as officials vow to learn from the event.