PATTAYA, Thailand – Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (Airports of Thailand) reported that 134 flights were affected between February 28 and March 1, 2026, due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Despite the adjustments, all six major airports under AOT management remain fully operational, with no stranded passengers reported.
AOT President Paweena Jariyathitipong said several airlines serving Middle Eastern routes or flying through affected airspace — including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, and Thai AirAsia X — adjusted flight plans as a precautionary measure.
Among affected airports, Suvarnabhumi Airport recorded 59 cancellations, while Phuket International Airport reported 36. Don Mueang International Airport and Chiang Mai International Airport each saw two cancellations, while Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport and Hat Yai International Airport were unaffected.
AOT has implemented support measures at impacted terminals, including information zones, additional seating, and drinking water distribution. Most affected passengers have been successfully rerouted, ensuring smooth terminal operations.
Despite the temporary flight adjustments, tourism sentiment in Pattaya remains resilient. March visitors continue to arrive via Bangkok’s airports before making their way to the seaside city, where foreign tourists are still embracing Pattaya’s enduring appeal — warm sunshine, wide beaches, fresh seafood, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere that defines the late high-season experience.
While global uncertainties are being closely monitored, Pattaya’s beachfront restaurants, hotels, and local businesses report steady activity, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a reliable and attractive destination even amid shifting international conditions.
