Domestic flights head back to Don Muang

However, the AoT’s resolution to move domestic operations back to Don Muang have not yet been approved by the government, the decision is receiving both bouquets and brickbats from airlines.

16 January 2007

Airports of Thailand ’s board reached a resolution, 11 January that will reopen Don Muang airport for domestic flights not linked to international connections. Thai Airways International complied with the decision almost immediately, while IATA waved a caution flags. Thai Air Asia expresses its displeasure over the plan and Bangkok Airways while refuses to move.

Thai Airways president Flg.Off Apinan Sumanaseni said at a press conference, last week, that THAI would move domestic operations back to Don Muang. He said returning to old airport, THAI will benefit from the lower operating costs such as office rental fees, which are more expensive at Suvarnabhumi. Less time spent on the runway’s taxi area will also help reduce fuel costs.

He was using the identical arguments that he gave to support the move to Suvarnabhumi, raising concern that the national carrier has not given due consideration to all the implications.

“THAI has discussed the possibility of the move and has been prepared for a while,� said Flg.Off. Apinan. THAI will ask AoT for the former domestic terminal as its operational base. As for international flight connections, THAI will maintain service to its three main domestic destinations - Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai - at Suvarnabhumi Airport . Passengers travelling on other domestic routes rarely connect from international flights,� he said.

If the 15 March move goes ahead, Flg.Off. Apinan said THAI would have no problems making the switch, and it will not cost much to start up operations because all of Don Muang’s facilities are in place. He added the move would not have a major impact on the airline’s operations. Flights schedules are being revised and should be finished within a week.