BANGKOK, March 25 (TNA) – Three airlines currently operating domestic flights out of Don Mueang airport are ready to shift back to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
National flag carrier Thai Airways, low-cost carriers Nok Air and Orient Thai have been operating domestic flights from Don Mueang, claiming inadequate facilities at Suvarnabhumi. Now that the expansion of Suvarnabhumi airport is near complete, airline executives said they are ready to pack up their operations at Don Mueang.
THAI Airways president Apinan Sumanaseni said THAI supported the single airport policy since it benefited passengers the most. The shift of domestic operations back to Suvarnabhumi can be completed without fuss, he said.
Nok Air chief operating officer Patee Sarasin said the low-cost carrier is willing to return to Suvarnabhumi provided the authorities can address the congestion problem and commit to expanding the airport’s capacity to accommodate more flights.
Mr Udom Tantiprasongchai, chief executive officer of Orient Thai, another budget carrier, said Orient Thai and One-Two-Go have no particular preference, but he wants clarity on the government’s policy to avoid any confusion.
Moreover, the efficiency and adequate facilities at Suvarnabhumi provide strong incentives for carriers to operate from there, said Mr Udom.