In a twist of fate that even the most seasoned travel pundits couldn’t have foreseen, Phuket International Airport is soaring high amid the turbulence of a significant drop in Chinese tourists. Thanks to an influx of Russian and Turkish visitors, Phuket’s tourism industry is cruising toward a record-smashing 18 million passengers in 2025. According to Monchai Tanode, the airport’s chief, this figure seems almost inevitable, even as the flow of Chinese vacationers takes a nosedive.
“We’re now seeing around 1,000 to 2,000 Chinese tourists a day, quite a dip from the more robust figures of over 3,000 in the peak season,” Monchai shared. Surprisingly, Russia has now leapfrogged over China to become the island’s new top source of visitors. From the start of April up till the 21st, an average of 1,370 Chinese tourists touched down daily, based on Airports of Thailand (AOT) data.
Amid a frenzy of cancelled flights by several Chinese airlines like Spring Airlines, China Southern, Shanghai Airlines, and China Eastern, the ebb and flow of holidaymakers might have led to an industry panic attack had Russian and Turkish tourists not arrived in droves to pick up the slack. Concerns over safety, fueled by high-profile call center scams, have understandably soured the travel appetite among the Chinese, contributing to this decline.
But worry not, for Phuket is far from playing the role of a grounded bird! Airlines such as Turkish Airlines are swooping in to compensate for the seasonal drop in Russian charters from Ikar Airlines and Azur Air. In the first quarter alone, Phuket Airport handled 17,895 international flights, nearly matching the pre-pandemic zenith of 18,036 in 2019. International passenger numbers ballooned to 3.5 million, outstripping the 3.28 million from that golden era’s same quarter.
Domestic traffic is not trailing far behind, celebrating a bounce-back with 1.8 million passengers and 13,152 flights, mirroring 89% and 97% of the 2019 volume respectively. Looking to the future, the airport is sketching blueprints for a sparkling new international terminal that’s destined to amplify passenger capacity by 5 million annually. The design phase is already underway with construction pegged to start by 2027 and likely to wrap up three years hence.
As if that wasn’t enough to keep Phuket’s skies bustling, the proposed Andaman Airport is still under feasibility study, holding promises of dual runways and a mighty annual passenger capacity of 22.5 million once it becomes a reality.
Adding to the airport’s ambitious optimism, Airports of Thailand (AOT) is pulling a magnum opus move: opening 2,512 rai of land around six airports, including Phuket, to gear up for real estate development. This strategic move could see an influx of at least 28.8 billion baht in investment, a golden goose that’ll enhance the company’s property-related income, which now accounts for a mere 0.2% of its annual pie.
So, even as China takes a travel breather, Phuket’s tourism engine thunders forward. With the red carpet rolled out and big dreams being mapped, the destination is ready for takeoff with lots of blue skies ahead.
Wow, it’s crazy to think that Russian and Turkish tourists are replacing the Chinese! I wonder if Phuket’s culture and economy will shift because of this change.
I doubt it will change much. Tourists are tourists, no matter where they come from. It’s just another season of temporary guests spending money.
I guess you’re right, Jake. But still, the demographics shift could lead to new cultural exchanges and economic effects over time.
I think Anna might have a point. Different types of tourists prioritize different experiences, so local businesses might adapt to these new demands.
How sustainable is this growth, though? More flights mean more emissions and environmental impacts. Is anyone considering the ecological footprint here?
Can the environment really keep up with all these flights? Climate change isn’t waiting for Phuket’s economy to boom.
True, but international tourism is crucial for local economies. Maybe the focus should be on making flights more eco-friendly.
That’s a good point, JetSetterJen. Investment in greener technologies could balance the growth with sustainability.
As long as the money is rolling in, I doubt the authorities will care much about where it’s coming from. It’s all about the economy.
Sad but true, Bill. It’s all profits first, problems later. But I guess that’s the way most places operate.
I find it ironic that once China was the major player and now they’re pulling back because of safety issues. Didn’t see that coming!
Yeah, the scams are really damaging. It’s not only their problem; it affects global tourism where safety is compromised.
Exactly, Max. It’s a reminder to all countries to maintain their reputations if they want to keep tourists coming.
Opening up land for development around the airport seems like a smart move. More facilities mean more convenience for tourists.
Overdevelopment can ruin the natural beauty that attracts visitors in the first place. It’s a double-edged sword!
Agreed with EcoGuardian. Cities need to balance expansion with preserving the charm that makes them unique.
Fair point, both of you. Hopefully, they consider sustainable practices in their expansion.
I wonder if Phuket will offer more Turkish and Russian restaurants and cultural spots now that they’re such big visitors. That’d be neat!
Ooh, I love that idea, Danielle! Imagine authentic borscht or baklava on the beaches of Thailand!
Exactly, Frank. It would take the concept of ‘melting pot’ to a new, delicious level!
Does anyone else think reaching 18 million by 2025 is overly ambitious? What if another global crisis hits?
Everything is unpredictable these days, Sam. But you know what they say—fortune favors the bold.
True, Carrie. Just hope they’re not being overly optimistic without contingency plans.
As someone who’s visited Phuket multiple times, it’s both exciting and worrying to see such rapid changes.
Well, at the end of the day, tourism ebbs and flows. I just hope the locals can benefit from this boom without being overwhelmed.