Phuket – The Middle East conflict has affected 15 flights from 4 airlines (QATAR AIRWAYS, ETIHAD, UNICAIR (PRIVATE FLIGHT), AIR ARABIA), causing flights to divert or remain grounded at Phuket Airport until the situation calms down.
At 08:00 on 1 Mar 2026 GMT+7, the Phuket Information Center page posted: “Urgent check: 15 flights cancelled on 1 Mar 2026 (data at 05:55) due to unrest in the Middle East region affecting Phuket Airport. The affected airlines are QATAR AIRWAYS, ETIHAD, UNICAIR (PRIVATE FLIGHT), and AIR ARABIA. There are 15 flights in total, with 8 outbound and 7 inbound flights impacted. Passengers are advised to verify flight status directly with their airlines and closely follow airline announcements. Allow extra time for travel to the airport. For more information, contact the Public Relations counter on the 3rd floor of the international terminal at Phuket Airport, phone 0-7635-2302.”
This follows a post on the Phuket Information Center page on the evening of 28 Feb 2026 GMT+7, stating: “An unexpected incident occurred with Etihad Airways flight ETD 417 Phuket-Abu Dhabi. After departing Phuket International Airport at 15:30 on 28 Feb 2026, the airline assessed the escalating unrest in the Middle East region and decided to change the flight plan, turning back to land at Phuket Airport to ensure maximum safety for passengers and crew.”
Initial reports indicate the flight returned to Phuket Airport at approximately 23:30 on 28 Feb 2026 GMT+7. The flight was not officially cancelled, and passengers remain under close care by the airline. Etihad Airways is currently assessing the situation and will inform passengers of new travel plans. The situation continues to draw close attention due to its ongoing impact on international flights in the Middle East routes.
Meanwhile, Phuket Airport has also issued announcements via the AOT/PHUKET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT page regarding the situation, urging passengers traveling to the Middle East to closely follow the advice and updates from their respective airlines.