Phuket airport shuts runway after military aircraft suffers landing failure

BANGKOK - Phuket International Airport (PIA) temporarily closed its main runway for three hours on Wednesday afternoon after a Royal Thai Navy aircraft experienced a landing gear malfunction while attempting to land.

The incident affected schedule of 17 flights - seven were unable to land and 10 unable to depart during the runway closure, the PIA said.

In a statement Wednesday, PIA said it received a report around 11.30am that a Royal Thai Navy Cessna 337 encountered a landing gear failure during its landing approach at the airport.

"PIA immediately provided emergency assistance and temporarily closed the runway for three hours to f

PIA added that passengers scheduled to travel during the affected period were advised to check their flight status directly with their airlines to avoid missing their flights. - BERNAMA