Flights between Phuket and the Middle East cancelled

22 flights between Phuket and several Middle Eastern cities have been cancelled since yesterday, when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate against US military targets in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.

Monchai Tanod, director of Phuket international airport, said today that two inbound flights from the Middle East and nine outbound were cancelled yesterday and another 11 were grounded today, with seven aircraft stuck at Phuket airport awaiting further instructions.

Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Unicair and Air Arabia, the airlines affected, have arranged accommodation for passengers whose flights were cancelled.

Phuket international airport is advising passengers planning to fly to the Middle East to check the flight status with their airline directly and to keep a close watch on airline announcements if they arrive at the airport.

Passengers needing more information about the flights can call the Information Centre or 0-7635-2302.

Thai Airways announced today that the airline is operating as normal and that all flights between Bangkok and Europe continue uninterrupted, as they are avoiding the airspace of countries affected by the situation in Iran.

Meanwhile, police have increased security for certain establishments and foreign nationals who may become potential targets for attack as a result of the attacks on Iran.