Phuket Airport's July 2023 Passenger Traffic Drops 18%

In July 2023, Phuket International Airport witnessed a significant decrease in passenger numbers, with a decline of 18.10% compared to the pre-pandemic year 2019. Specifically, in July 2019, the airport welcomed 1,414,868 passengers, while four years later, in July 2023, the number dropped to 1,158,753, marking the challenges faced by the aviation industry during its recovery from the global pandemic.

One key factor contributing to the decrease in passenger numbers at this hub is the residual impact of the pandemic on travel demand. Lockdown measures and travel restrictions implemented in response to the global pandemic have severely dampened people's inclination and ability to travel. Despite the gradual easing of restrictions and the reopening of borders, lingering concerns about health risks discourage potential travelers, resulting in reduced passenger numbers at Phuket Airport.

The slow recovery of the tourism industry in Thailand further compounds the decrease in passenger numbers. With various sectors, including hospitality and entertainment, profoundly affected by travel restrictions and lockdowns, Thai destinations' attractiveness has notably diminished. As a result, the reduced tourism activities inevitably translate into fewer travelers passing through the airport as individuals postpone or reconsider their travel plans amid the ongoing uncertainties.

Thailand's cautious approach to easing travel restrictions also plays a role in the airport's decline in passenger numbers. Although entry restrictions were relaxed on April 01, 2022, no longer requiring travelers to undergo a PCR test before entry, post-entry testing and other requirements based on entry models remain in place. While necessary for public health considerations, these evolving protocols have led to complexities and uncertainties that could deter potential passengers from choosing Phuket International Airport as their travel gateway.

The fourth main reason for the decrease in passenger numbers at this hub can be attributed to the limited flight schedules and reduced route options offered by airlines. The pandemic has forced airlines to make challenging operational decisions, including reducing flight frequencies or suspending certain routes altogether. As a result, the limited availability of flights may not align with the travel needs and preferences of potential passengers, contributing to the downward trend seen in passenger numbers at the airport.

Phuket International Airport has witnessed a significant decline in passenger numbers, with an 18.10% decrease in July 2023 compared to July 2019. The residual impact of the pandemic on travel demand, sluggish recovery of the tourism industry, cautious entry protocols, and limited flight options all contribute to the decrease. Stakeholders within the aviation industry and relevant sectors must work together to rebuild traveler confidence, adapt to changing circumstances, and foster steady recovery for this vital transportation hub in Thailand.