THE NUMBER of international passengers at Phuket International Airport jumped by 46.51 percent in August over the previous year, a further indication of brand Phuket's return to favor.

Phuket airport's general manager, Prathuang Sornkhom, told Phuketwan the figures reflected that a broader international audience is realising that Phuket is as different from Bangkok as Hong Kong is from Beijing.

Coming next month are new daily flights from the Middle East capital of Doha with Qatar Airlines, a brand with a five-star reputation that will also build Phuket's links with Kuala Lumpur.

Phuket's resorts and hotels, becalmed in September, are hoping the surge becomes even greater in the leadup to November and the high season for tourism that runs through to April.

Indications are good. Total arrivals and departures for August burst through the half-million barrier, from 469,927 to 549,098, an overall increase of 16.85 percent.

Domestic traffic did not surge at the same rate as international traffic, holding virtually steady at 299,535.

Passenger numbers differed from air traffic numbers, where domestic flights rose by 28.67 percent and international flights rose by 37.10 percent, making for almost 4000 flights (3944) in August and an overall 32.35 percent increase in Phuket flight numbers.

Cargo tonnage rose by a massive 61.82 percent, with the international component up by 79.63 percent.