The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has granted permission for Phuket international airport to resume limited operations this Saturday.
The airport was closed on April 3rd to restrict air travel, as part of the preventive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, especially being carried by in-bound passengers. The lockdown measure is due to expire on Friday.
The airport will serve both domestic and international flights.
Passengers, however, are required to fill in forms explaining their reasons for visiting Phuket.
Despite the reopening of the airport, international flights are unlikely to land in Phuket, as the CAAT has banned all in-bound flights to Thailand, with certain very limited exceptions.
Several airports have already resumed operations for domestic flights, including Nan, Phitsanuloke, Loei, Sakhon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Mae Sod, Mae Hong Son, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Nakhon Phanom, Buri Ram, Roi-et, Phrae, Chumpon, Trat, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Ranong.
Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry will open more quarantine accommodation for Thai citizens returning from abroad.
Defence Ministry spokesman Lt-Gen Kongcheep Tantrawanich said, now that the virus situation has improved, more Thais living or working abroad should be allowed to return.
Currently, Thai arrivals from abroad are limited at about 200 a day, which will be increased to 400.Ā Ā All are required to enter 14-day state quarantine upon arrival.
Waiting lists of Thai people want to return home extend to mid-July.
