Phuket International Airport boasts growth in flight movements and passenger numbers in 2025, reflecting sustained recovery of aviation and tourism and renewed passenger confidence, says airport director Monchai Tanod.

Performance last year was better than 2024 and moved closer to 2019, the airport’s peak year before the Covid-19 pandemic, he said. The figures underscore Phuket’s resilience as a major regional aviation hub and a leading international tourism destination.

The airport handled 106,581 flights in 2025, comprising 48,762 domestic flights and 57,819 international services. This represented a 2.8% increase from 2024, when 103,675 flights were recorded.

Passenger traffic last year reached 17.4 million including 6.6 million domestic travellers and 10 million international passengers, up 1.5% from 17.2 million passengers in 2024.

Compared with 2019, flight movements recovered to 92.22% of pre-pandemic levels, while passenger numbers rebounded to 96.44%.

Mr Monchai said the growth reflects confidence in Phuket Airport as the “Gateway to the Andaman” and collaboration between the airport and local agencies to support rising tourism demand, particularly during the high season.

He said the airport has played a key role in accommodating major events and festivals hosted in the province, including the 2025 Thailand Biennial Phuket, an international contemporary art exhibition.

Phuket Airport was committed to enhancing safety standards and improving efficiency to deliver a smooth travel experience under its “World Class Hospitality” concept, while preparing for sustainable long-term growth.

On Jan 12 the airport also welcomed the inaugural Belavia Airlines flight B28603 from Minsk to Phuket, bringing 281 international tourists from Belarus. The passengers were greeted at the International Terminal by airport executives and staff.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3177944/phuket-buoyed-by-aviation-tourism-recovery