Multiple airlines have lessened the number of flights to and from Phuket as a result of falling demand due to the new COVID-19 outbreak. Phuket International Airport General Manager Thanee Chuangchoo has revealed.
According to local news, between January 1-2, two international flights took off with zero passengers and 3 more carried only 4 passengers on January 5.
Nok Air, Thai Smile, Thai Air Asia, Thai Vietjet Air, Thai Lion Air, and Bangkok Airways are some of the airlines canceling specific flights due to lack of demand since January 4.
Although the situation is not ideal, multiple other airlines are operating scheduled flights to Phuket.
“Presently, flights at Phuket International Airport are still operating as usual,” Thanee confirmed.
As a consequence of Thailand’s success in keeping the pandemic figures under control, authorities decided to reopen for tourism On November 20.
On December 4, Qatar airlines resumed operations with 2 flights per week between Phuket and Doha.
But, countries reopenings have shown not to be an easy endeavor.
A couple of weeks ago, just 30 miles southwest of Bangkok, in Samut Sakon province, health authorities managed to track 821 COVID-19 cases to only 1 seafood market.
The government is currently focusing on doing mass testing and finding all potential infected buyers.
However, the Samut Sakhon outbreak has already reached Phuket.
A few days ago, a local citizen was diagnosed with Covid-19 after being in close contact with a friend from Samut Sakhon who was found to be infected.
Despite the outbreak, Thailand has been relatively successful in containing the virus. Data shows only 4,913 active cases and 66 deaths so far.
As for now, visitors coming to Thailand must apply for permission to travel via the Royal Thai Government’s online platform.
Also, all travelers are required to observe 14 days quarantine at a State Quarantine or Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facility and to download the Thai Chana COVID-19 tracking app upon arrival in Thailand.
