Virgin Australia’s withdrawal won’t hurt Phuket

PHUKET: Phuket tourism and arrival numbers will not be affected by Virgin Australia cancelling flights to Phuket and Bali from Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth, Director of Phuket International Airport Monrudee Gettuphan confirmed today.

Virgin Australia will replace services with its budget offshoot Tigerair in a bid to stem bleeding from its international operations, where losses widened to AUS$69 million for the year, reported The Sydney Morning Herald.

“They have unofficially informed us that Virgin Australia will withdraw flights to Phuket on January 31. However, we are still waiting for an official confirmation,” Mr Monrudee told Phuket Gazette.

“During the green [low] season many of the island’s tourists are from Australia and Arabian countries. Therefore, flight routes, such as Perth-Phuket, should be profitable.”

Ms Monrudee reaffirmed that the move would have no effect on Phuket’s arrival numbers. However, it does place Tigerair directly against Qantas’ budget offshoot, Jetstar, and AirAsia on routes to the island.

— Kongleaphy Keam