Storm leaves Phuket in blackouts, flights diverted

“Repairs to these areas have been completed and normal power supply has been restored,” confirmed Mr Kittinunt.

However, other areas still remain affected this morning, Mr Kittinunt added.

“Some parts in Talad Yai near the Social Security Office (in Phuket Town) are still without power. Repairs are under way right now and we hope to have normal power supply restored within the hour,” he said.

Phuket International Airport was also left without mains supply for six minutes until the backup system kicked in.

Management at the airport confirmed that the power went off from 7:30pm to 7:36pm, leaving many areas of the airport in darkness.

The storm saw 14 flights delayed from 3:30pm through to 8:20pm, and a further six flights were diverted entirely to prevent them from landing in the dangerous weather.

The diverted flights were reported as redirected as follows:

1. Flight: MH790, Malaysia Airlines. Route: Malaysia – Phuket. Expected arrival time (ETA): 5:51pm. Redirected to Langkawi.
2. Flight: FD3017, Thai AirAsia. Route: Don Muang – Phuket. Expected arrival time (ETA): 4.58pm Redirected to Hat Yai.
3. Flight: KA264, Dragonair Airways. Route: Hong Kong – Phuket. Expected Time (ETA): 5:45pm. Redirected to Penang.
4. Flight: CZ649, China Southern Airlines. Route: Guiyang – Phuket. Expected arrival time (ETA): 6:22pm. Redirected to U-Tapao.
5. Flight: WE275, Thai Smile. Route: Bangkok – Phuket. Expected Time (ETA): 4:40pm. Returned to Bangkok.
6. Flight: SL760, Thai Airways. Route: Don Muang – Phuket. Expected arrival time (ETA): 5:17pm. Redirected to Surat Thani.

The Phuket News