Phuket News, October 26: Direct Flights from London, Phuket Expressway Timeline and New Beachfront Projects

🌴 PHUKET: WHAT'S NEW?

Jungle House Digest · October 26

Direct flights from London, news on the expressway and two new beachfront projects. Here is what matters for those living on the island or looking at property here.

✈️ Virgin Atlantic now flies direct from London to Phuket

The airline has launched a direct service from Heathrow: three flights a week for the 2026-2027 winter season. The first aircraft departed London on October 18. The new route is confirmed by Heathrow Airport.

For rental property owners this is interesting news: British guests can now reach the island more easily. We see the expansion of air links as a plus for tourism demand, while we still calculate yields for a specific apartment. If you are choosing a unit to rent out, start with the Jungle House catalog and our article on investing in Thailand.

🛣 What is happening with the Phuket Expressway? New timeline released

Design of the Mueang Mai - Koh Kaew - Kathu section is planned to be completed in January 2027, with the project presented to the cabinet of ministers in October.

The second phase is about 30.6 km long, with a budget estimated at THB 67.5 billion. Design is under way, with approvals still ahead.

Our approach to buying near the future expressway: first we assess today's roads and the convenience of the address. Future infrastructure is treated as an additional perspective.

🏡 The Title arrives in Karon and expands in Kata

Two new projects were presented in October:

💎 KUARTZ, Karon: about 400 meters from the beach, two seven-storey buildings, one- and two-bedroom apartments.

✨ FIZZ, Kata: about 700 meters from the beach, 135 apartments, layouts with one, two and three bedrooms.

Both projects provide pet-friendly zones.

Choosing between Kata and Karon? It is more useful to compare two suitable apartments: price, layout, floor, view and payment schedule. That makes it clearer which option fits your plans.

📍 The immigration office at Blue Tree has suspended operations

The office stopped receiving visitors from October 19 due to a staff shortage. No reopening date has been announced. The main office in Phuket Town and the Patong office remain open.

If you live in Bang Tao or Cherngtalay and planned to visit Blue Tree, check in advance where your specific matter is handled. Coming to the island for the first time? Our arrival checklist will help.

🌧 Flood warning on the island today

In the morning of October 26 the DDPM issued a warning about flood and landslide risks. After overnight rains, flooding was recorded in Patong, Kamala and Phuket Town. Separate parts of Patong were hit hardest.

When choosing a home we advise looking at the access road, drainage and parking entrance too. On a rainy day these details say more about a property's convenience than sunny photos do.

💬 Which topic should we cover next: new projects, roads or life on the island? Tell us in the comments.

To find a property for your lifestyle or investment scenario, browse the Jungle House catalog — and to get personal selection help, leave a request.