Thailand’s U-Tapao-Rayong-Pattaya International Airport will remain closed until the end of January as the Chonburi region struggles to contain soaring Covid infection rates.
The closure of the airport, which is the gateway to Thailand’s ‘Sin City’ of Pattaya, will result in hundreds of flight cancellations over the next few weeks.
Hardest hit is Thai AirAsia which has a big presence at the airport, and will see more than 200 of its flights cancelled.
It also affects services by Bangkok Airways and Thai Lion Air.
The three airlines are asking customers to get in touch for refunds or credit vouchers to be used for future travel.
Throughout the region there is strict screening at points of entry and exit, which has effectively stopped domestic travel.
Chonburi is a ‘red zone’ and is in lockdown along with Pattaya with many businesses closed.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
