BANGKOK: Phuket International Airport (PIA) temporarily closed its main runway for three hours on Wednesday afternoon after a Royal Thai Navy aircraft experienced a landing gear malfunction while attempting to land.

The incident affected schedule of 17 flights - seven were unable to land and 10 unable to depart during the runway closure, the PIA said.

In a statement Wednesday, PIA said it received a report around 11.30am that a Royal Thai Navy Cessna 337 encountered a landing gear failure during its landing approach at the airport.

PIA immediately provided emergency assistance and temporarily closed the runway for three hours.

PIA added that passengers scheduled to travel during the affected period were advised to check their flight status directly with their airlines to avoid missing their flights.