Phuket haze causes flight delays

PHUKET: Despite earlier reports, more than a dozen flights were kept in a holding pattern over Phuket this morning due to the thick Indonesian haze currently blanketing the island.

Three of the 15 flights were forced to land at Bangkok, Penang and Samui airports, while the others were cleared to land here after 10am, confirmed Amnuay Sarachart, deputy director of the AoT Phuket Office.

“We will continue to keep a close eye on weather conditions. Airport staff check for weather updates every 30 minutes,” Mr Amnuay added.

There have been no other reported delays in departures or arrivals since 10am this morning.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong