PHUKET – Phuket International Airport’s primary runway was temporarily closed for approximately three hours on Thursday following an emergency landing by a Royal Thai Navy aircraft. The incident, which occurred around 11:14 AM, resulted in significant flight disruptions affecting seventeen scheduled flights.

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According to Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachiayaphan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, a Cessna O-2 Skymaster reconnaissance plane experienced landing gear complications and requested urgent permission to land. The aircraft successfully touched down but was forced to remain stationary on the runway, requiring coordinated recovery efforts between naval engineers and airport ground crews.

A runway at Phuket international airport was closed for three hours today, affecting 17 flights, after a naval reconnaissance aircraft had to make an emergency landing due to a landing gear problem.

Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachiayaphan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy… pic.twitter.com/H0LrnsZAcT

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Following established safety protocols, responders first pumped remaining fuel from the aircraft before carefully towing it from the active runway. Airport authorities then conducted thorough inspections to ensure the surface remained undamaged and safe for operations. The spokesperson extended apologies to affected travelers for the inconvenience caused by the unexpected closure.

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The three-hour shutdown delayed seven incoming flights and ten departing flights, with some aircraft being diverted to alternative airports during the closure. Operations were expected to resume normally by 3:00 PM following clearance from aviation safety inspectors.

-Thailand News (TN)