Efforts are underway to remove a Boeing 737 MAX 8 from Runway 09 at Phuket International Airport after the aircraft reportedly made a hard landing that damaged its landing gear.
The aircraft, registered VT-BWQ, landed earlier than scheduled at 11:24 AM, before its planned arrival time of 11:40 AM. Initial reports indicate the landing caused damage to both the main landing gear and the nose gear, preventing the aircraft from vacating the runway.
Following the incident, airport authorities issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing the temporary closure of Runway 09 from 12:08 PM to 6:00 PM on March 11, 2026, while recovery teams worked to move the aircraft safely.
Airport crews are continuing operations to clear the runway and restore normal flight operations at Phuket Airport as soon as possible.