Repairs and maintenance to be conducted at new airport
(February 10, 2007)
Cracked runways and taxiways, as well as damaged passenger boarding bridges are some of the teething problems that have emerged since the launch of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport in September 2006. Little by little, sections will be closed down while repairs and maintenance are conducted. Some domestic flights without international connections will be diverted to the old Don Muang Airport to facilitate this.
Precisely which airlines and the exact number of flights to be relocated are yet to be decided, and it would also happen on a voluntary basis. Meetings between the Thai Ministry of Transport, Airports of Thailand (AOT) and airline representatives are scheduled for mid February, and final arrangements are expected to be announced shortly afterwards. The Bangkok Post reported that the option to completely close down Suvarnabhumi for full-scale repairs has been dismissed. The new airport will remain Bangkok's major airport despite partial closure, and Don Muang will act as its auxiliary.
Which flights are likely to be affected?
It's plausible that most budget passenger carriers will opt towards Don Muang Airport, while Suvarnabhumi will remain the main airport hub and cargo center. Thai Airways has indicated that flights to Chiang Mai, Krabi and Phuket would likely be available at both airports, and that it would provide a passenger shuttle service. The partial return to Don Muang is expected to ease congestion at Suvarnabhumi by about 30%, and allow repairs.
This was the plan originally - that Don Muang would take over some flights in order to relieve the strain on the new airport. It is currently still being used to handle government and charter flights. In light of recent evaluations of the problems identified at Suvarnabhumi, the need for the move to divert more flights to Don Muang has simply become more evident.
Don Muang to the rescue
Fortunately, Don Muang is well rigged out to come to the rescue, and is provisionally scheduled to fully reopen by the end of March, 2007. Preparations are already underway. The fact that Don Muang's International Terminal 1 is ready now (and still in use), is a welcome respite in more than one way.
Now Bangkok will have two international airports like other major travel hubs - the likes of London, Paris and Berlin. For the time being, anyway.
If you are unsure about which airport your flight is scheduled for, please consult either your travel agent or the AOT Helpline: +66 (0)2 132 1888 |
