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In the last issue of the Gateway International e-newsletter (dated January 29), we told you about plans to convert Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport, now superseded by the glitzy new showcase Suvarnabhumi, into a regional maintenance and training center. We mentioned that some low-cost carriers had expressed a preference for the older facility, and that Thailand’s aviation authorities were considering re-opening Don Muang to relieve Suvarnabhumi, which is already at capacity during peak periods. A day after we brought you that report, Thai aviation and transportation authorities agreed to move domestic flights without follow-on connections back to Don Muang. In addition to the congestion problems at Suvarnabhumi, problems with taxiway and runway surfaces were also cited as being behind the decision: some of the airport’s taxiways have already had to be closed for repairs. Transport Minister Thira Haocharoen said that no decision has been made about whether the transfer will be temporary or permanent, and that it would be complete within two months after Cabinet approval. He added that low-cost airlines have been prepared to make the move for some time. Meanwhile, public opinion polls found that about half of respondents believed that corruption was behind the poor condition of Suvarnabhumi’s taxiways and runways, some of which were found in poor condition before the airport officially opened. Respondents feared that the problems would harm Thailand’s international reputation. |
