CAAT Readies U-Tapao, Surat Thani as Rain Backup Airports
CAAT is preparing backup airports at U‑Tapao and Surat Thani to handle flight disruptions caused by heavy late‑year rain across southern Thailand. The agency coordinated with airlines, air traffic providers and airport operators to ensure continuous service during the upcoming IMF–World Bank meetings and adverse weather periods. On 17 October, Phuket airport diverted flights to these backups, successfully resuming normal operations.
CAAT coordinated with the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, AOT, and airlines to prepare for volatile weather and heavy year-end flights, arranging backup airports for aircraft unable to land. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is preparing for adverse weather late in the year after forecasting continued rain, especially across southern Thailand’s eastern and western coasts, and is working with relevant agencies to plan for flights that may be affected, aiming to maintain service continuity and reduce passenger impact. CAAT said aviation management during the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings proceeded smoothly, accommodating charter and private flights as planned while regular commercial flights continued despite unfavorable weather in some areas. Previously, heavy rain in Bangkok and central Thailand in late September disrupted some flight operations, prompting CAAT to coordinate with agencies to prepare travel plans for the meetings, especially for unsuitable takeoff or landing conditions, to manage flights efficiently. A key measure was coordinating with U‑Tapao International Airport (Rayong–Pattaya) to be ready 24/7 as a backup airport and adjusting nighttime runway closure plans to allow temporary construction of a second runway during the meeting to accommodate flights that needed to divert pending improved weather at their destination airports. CAAT also coordinated with the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. and Airports of Thailand PCL to prepare air traffic management and airport services, and with Thai Airways PCL to ensure sufficient staffing for heavy travel periods. On 17 October 2026, Phuket International Airport experienced weather that affected some flights, requiring diversion to backup airports including Surat Thani International Airport and U‑Tapao International Airport; the contingency plan was implemented successfully and normal operations resumed quickly. CAAT said it will continue to monitor weather closely, coordinate with agencies to keep backup airports ready, manage air traffic, and implement measures to mitigate potential flight impacts, prioritizing safety while maintaining service continuity and minimizing passenger impact.
