Phuket airport records 17.23 million passengers as terminal expansion advances

Phuket International Airport handled 17,234,915 passengers and 105,010 flights in fiscal 2026, prompting plans to expand its international terminal and add capacity for a further 5.5 million passengers a year.

The figures, covering October 2025 to September 2026, were released by Karant Thanakuljeerapat, director of Phuket International Airport. The airport averaged 288 flights and 47,219 passengers a day during the period.

Phuket’s current designed capacity is 12.5 million passengers a year. The airport is managing demand above that level while work continues on the international-terminal expansion project. The detailed design is undergoing final acceptance, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and completion scheduled for 2032.

Under the winter schedule from 25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027, the airport forecasts 54,296 flights and 8,912,547 passengers. Karant said annual passenger numbers in 2026 were expected to reach about 17.5 million to 18 million.

Virgin Atlantic and Kuwait Airways are preparing to launch direct routes to Phuket during the late-2026 high season, according to the airport. The new services are expected to support European and Middle Eastern markets.

Russia, China and India are currently Phuket’s three largest foreign visitor markets. The Chinese market is recovering, while India is showing growth and is regarded as an important high-season market. The airport said it would co-operate with the Tourism Authority of Thailand on promotional activities targeting Indian visitors.

To reduce congestion, Phuket airport has introduced automated check-in and baggage-drop systems. It has also received Level 3 Airport Customer Experience Accreditation from Airports Council International World and plans to pursue a higher level.