Phuket Airport Runway 09 closed for repairs
Runway 09 at the Phuket International Airport was closed today, February 26, and will be closed again tomorrow from 2 am – 7am for fixing cracks in the runway surface.
There are small cracks in an are covering 9 square metres while there is another 84 square metres area between the runway and the taxiway that requires repair attention. PIA officials say that the cracks are a result of the increased traffic during the tourism high season and the recent surge during Chinese New Year. They say the runway needs to be closed urgently as a general precaution although they believe that the cracks never were seen as an immediate danger to aircraft operations at the airport.
The runway and taxiway closure will affect a total of 66 flights and the Airport has reported to the Department of Civil Aviation to change the slots and issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) about the repair operations to rearrange the traffic flow.
Phuket Land Transport Office has also been informed to provide additional buses for the surge of passengers either side of the closure window.
Drinks and resting areas have been prepared at the international terminal on the 3rd and 4th floor as well as at the X-terminal. The Airport also informed Thai Airways, BAGS Ground Service and Immigration Officers to do their best to accommodate the passenger needs if there are any delays.
Phuket Tourism Association is providing updates to the passengers.
