All domestic flights of the two low-cost carriers Orient Thai / One Two Go and Nok Air are scheduled to start using Don Mueang Airport from March 25, 2007, together with certain non-connecting flights of Thai Airways. The easiest way to tell which airport to use for Thai Airways (TG) is that flights with four digits (TG flight numbers) will operate from Don Mueang (airport code DMK), while flights with three digits will stay at Suvarnabhumi (airport code BKK). To make sure you're using the right airport, this information will be useful.
Which Airport to use?
- All international and other carriers, unless otherwise stated, will continue to use Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
- All domestic flights of the two low-cost carriers Orient Thai / One Two Go and Nok Air are scheduled to start using Don Mueang Airport from March 25, 2007.
- The new Airport Code for Don Mueang is DMK, and that for Suvarnabhumi will remain BKK.
- The easiest way to tell which airport to use for Thai Airways (TG) is that flights with four digits (TG flight numbers) will operate from Don Mueang (airport code DMK), while flights with three digits will stay at Suvarnabhumi (airport code BKK).
- Thai Airways flights that will use Don Mueang Airport include these destinations: Khon Kaen, Hat Yai, Phitsanulok, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani.
- Thai Airways flights to and from Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket could use either Suvarnabhumi (three-digit flight numbers) or Don Mueang (four-digit flight numbers).
- Thai Airways flights connecting to and from Phuket to Hongkong and Perth will remain at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, as do connecting flights between Chiang Mai and Kunming.
- Allow between 45 minutes to an hour travelling time between the two airports to be safe, but it is advisable to check with your travel agent or the airport helpline to make sure exactly how much time will be required for connecting flights between the two airports and check-in procedures.
If you are not sure which airport your flight is scheduled for, please consult either your travel agent or the AOT Helpline: +66 (0)2 132 1888
February 21, 2007
Don Mueang To Re-Open on March 25
Bangkok's old airport is scheduled to reopen on March 25. The date for the reopening coincides with the beginning of the summer flight schedules, and is aimed at relieving the strain on five-month old Suvarnabhumi International Airport while parts are closed off for repairs. Don Mueang will serve three budget airlines, One-To-Go Airlines, Nok Air and PB Air, alongside the domestic services of Thai Airways International (THAI). Don Mueang will serve 77 flights a day: 25 Nok Air flights, eight of PB Air and 32 of THAI.
The plan for Don Mueang's future will be evaluated six months after the reopening.Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen said the combined use will enable Bangkok to serve up to 80 million air travelers annually, and the capacity would be suitable for the next ten years. Expansion plans for Suvarnabhumi would be postponed for the meanwhile, with repairs and maintenance enjoying first priority. The Minister has also ordered the speeding up of the Airport Link railway, which will connect Suvarnabhumi with the inner city. The exact flight numbers of those returning to the old airport will soon be announced.
February 17, 2007
Don Mueang Airport to The Rescue
Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has announced that for the first six months of its re-opening, expected around the end of March, Don Mueang International Airport will serve only non-connecting domestic flights. The issue of returning to the old airport has been met with resistance from the Board of Airline Representatives, who protest the costliness of managing split operations. At present, no international flights will be moved back, and it is up to Airports of Thailand (AOT) to ensure that Suvarnabhumi International Airport continues to provide safe services while it is being repaired.
According to the Transport Minister, Theera Haocharoen, the return of non-connecting domestic flights to Don Mueang will reduce air traffic at Suvarnabhumi by 71 flights a day. The minister will propose the return for cabinet approval next week. He said that returning to Don Mueang will be on voluntary decision by airlines. The possibility of returning international flights to Don Mueang will be assessed later. This is based on its capacity to relieve the strain on Suvarnabhumi, while the latter undergoes major reconstruction and probable delays in expansion. Meanwhile, the interim Thai government has given its assurance that the airports issue is high on its list of national priorities.
Two airlines permanently returning to the old airport are Nok Air and One-To-Go. Further details regarding airlines' decisions and the flights that will be affected are expected to be announced soon.
