Phuket after the October floods: what’s the situation and which flights are available

October rains and their aftermath

On 25‑26 October Phuket was hit by heavy showers, dumping up to 140 mm of rain in a single day. The deluge left three parts of the island under water. The worst‑hit area was the Nanai neighbourhood, where rushing water and mud carried stones that smashed houses, shops and cars. In Chalong, Thalang, Cheng‑Thale, Rawai and the provincial centre the water receded more quickly.

Local authorities say roughly a hundred households suffered damage, but there were no deaths or reported injuries. By the next morning most of the water had drained away; the streets, however, stayed slick with mud, and clean‑up crews are still hauling away stones and debris.

Thailand’s meteorological service warns that more heavy rain and isolated landslides could appear up to 28 October, especially on slopes near streams and in low‑lying zones. Such rain at the end of October is unusual – the monsoon season normally ends by November, just as the high tourist season begins.

Impact on the tourism infrastructure

Tour operators report that hotels hosting Russian guests escaped serious damage overall. In a few lobbies – for example at Vignette Collection Dinso Resort & Villas and Three Monkeys Villas – water reached floor level, bringing in furniture and even a fish, but no one has asked to be relocated.

Patong opened a temporary‑accommodation centre, yet most Russian tourists prefer to stay in their own hotels. Transfers and excursions keep running, and, according to Pavel Neon, owner of the Thai host company Travely, there have been no confirmed injuries among Russian visitors.

AZUR air charter flights: what has changed

Tour operator Anex refreshed its winter programme for Thailand, using AZUR air charters. After the airline cut back its Vietnam schedule in mid‑October, the freed‑up aircraft were redirected to Phuket and Pattaya.

For the 2026/2027 season flights are planned from 18 Russian cities to Phuket: Moscow, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Tyumen, Krasnoyarsk, Surgut, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok, Barnaul, Chelyabinsk, Irkutsk, Samara, Mineralnye Vody, Novokuznetsk, Omsk, Perm and Ufa. Departures start in early November and run through mid‑May; exact dates depend on the departure city.

The frequency is going up: Moscow, Kazan, Mineralnye Vody, Samara, Surgut, Tyumen and Ufa are already served, and new routes will be added to that list. Tickets are also sold through the tour operators “Intourist” and FUN&SUN.

Prices for tours from Moscow start at 196 000 RUB for a 10‑night stay on Phuket (summer rates were higher). The reduction of direct flights from Russia to Thailand makes AZUR air charters especially important – in Q4 the number of direct flights is expected to be 22.5 % lower than a year earlier.

What travelers should keep in mind

• Watch the weather forecast. The meteorological service warns of more rain and possible landslides until the end of the month. When you book excursions, double‑check the latest information with your guide or host company.
• Expect muddy streets. Even though the water has gone, roads can stay slippery and littered with debris.
• Hotels are open, but minor hiccups are possible. Some lobbies have seen water ingress, yet no major infrastructure damage has been recorded.
• Transport links remain intact. AZUR air charters provide regular flights from most large Russian regions, and transfers and tours continue without interruption.
• Visa rules are simple. Since 15 September Russians can stay in Thailand visa‑free for up to 30 days, which eases planning for longer stays.

If you are already on Phuket, stay in touch with your guide and follow local service announcements. Should more rain arrive, follow safety advice and avoid low‑lying areas where flash‑flood risk is higher.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.