AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK

The Aviation Department yesterday inspected all aircraft of Phuket Air and threatened to ground the airline following repeated problems which have delayed flights.

Department chief Chaisak Angkusuwan said officials started checking Phuket Air's planes after talks between Deputy Transport Minister Phumtham Vejjayachai, the department and airline representatives.

The meeting came after a day-long delay of its flight 9R619 with about 400 passengers from Bangkok to Amsterdam due to problems with the hydraulics system.

Low-cost airline gets warning, inspections, continued