THAI moves the chairs back to Suvarnabhumi
BANGKOK – The Thai government will decide tomorrow whether Bangkok should have one or two airports.
But already THAI Airways has made it own decision – moving all its domestic operations back to Suvarnabhumi airport from the old Don Mueang airport
The US$3.5 billion Suvarnabhumi opened in late 2006 – just after the September 19 military coup that overthrew the Thaksin Shinawatra government.
Don Mueang Airport was then mothballed after functioning as Bangkok’s international gateway for decades.
After running Suvarnabhumi as the sole commercial airport for less than six months, the government decided to revive Don Mueang on grounds that the new airport was plagued with problems, making a dual-airport policy unavoidable.
The policy was later blamed for contributing to the flag carrier’s mounting losses as THAI had to fly from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang.
THAI’s move back to Suvarnabhumi is being backed by a political group which – according to observers – is being supported by the King Power Group of Companies, which holds the lucrative duty-free shop and commercial concessions inside Suvarnabhumi.
THAI has said that moving all 23 domestic flights to Suvarnabhumi will enable it to better manage its flights and facilitate passengers wishing to travel throughout Thailand as well as making connections to international flights.
Ian Jarrett
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