BANKOK: Phuket airport has slapped a blanket ban on private jets this holiday season. Much to the dismay of high-net-worth travellers and private jet operators, no specific reason was given for the unprecedented restriction, which lasts until Jan 5.
Much to the dismay of high-net-worth travellers and private jet operators, no specific reason was given for the unprecedented restriction, which lasts until Jan 5.
The instruction means that no private jets, except those involved in transporting patients, VVIPs (very very important persons) and the government sector, can land, take off and park, regardless of whether it is short term or overnight, at the country’s third-busiest airport during that period.
Operators said the ban means a significant economic loss, especially for the southern island resort, a preferred holiday destination for well-heeled flyers who travel on private jets.
Each of them can easily inject 500,000 baht a day into the province’s economy, and they spend an average of five days on the island.
Without the ban, five private jet flights make it to Phuket each day in the duration. The ban will chase elite travellers away from Phuket to other resort destinations.
