PHUKET: Phuket international airport was closed twice on Sunday for repairs to a damaged runway, delaying the landing and taking off of 16 flights, provincial governor Narong Woonciew said.
He said the runway was first closed early in the afternoonm then closed again from 5pm-7.20pm.
Mr Narong was at the airport late in the afternoon to supervise the repairs.
Phakin Sirichan, director for airport operations, said the damage was on the runway surface and was about 10x4 metres in extent and about 10 centimetres deep. It was first detected about 12.50pm by an airport operations team.
The runway was theny closed for emergency repair to ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers, and reopened shortly afterwards.
It was closed for repair again from 5pm-7.20pm. The work was completed and it was reopened.
Mr Narong praised airport officials for their quick repsonse in fixing the damage.