Test flights arrive at Phuket’s new international terminal

PHUKET: Phuket International Airport began testing the facilities of the new international terminal this week with a handful of flights ahead of the official opening of the terminal later this month.

Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha is scheduled to preside over the grand opening of the new facility on September 16 (story here).

Phuket Airport Director Monrudee Gettuphan said the four ‘pioneer’ flights tested the operational capacity of the airport and ensured an easy transition into a fully-functional international terminal.

“The four flights tested our new terminal’s services,” Ms Monrudee said. “They included chartered flights with Beijing Capital Airlines, Chongqing Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines and Tianjin Airlines, which brought a total 880 passengers to Phuket.”

Ms Monrudee said the flights were permitted to utilize the new terminal before its September 16 official opening in order to guarantee quality services and standards that would meet expectations.

— Sukawin Tanthavanich