Any volunteers for the shift?
28 November 2007 12:13 Age: 3 hrs
Category: News

As air traffic becomes more congested at Suvarnabhumi, Airport, AoT is likely to shift some regional flights back to Don Mueang airport.

Full house at suvarnabhumi Airport, means some international airlines will have to move back to Don Muang Airport.

Airports of Thailand is prepared to take a firm stance by shifting some international flights back to Don Mueang to ease congestion at the new airport.

The suggestion has disappointed those who advocate a single airport policy, but the proposal is gaining acceptance at the Ministry of Transport. A resolution is expected before the current government's term ends next month, although it will remain in power as an acting government until a new government is formed at the earliest in January.

Reliable sources claim Chinese airlines, serving a point-to-point leisure market, could relocate to Don Mueang without causing inconvenience for their passengers.

AoT will identify airlines that are primarily serving non-connecting travel markets and this will also include low-cost airlines that base their business model on point-to-point traffic and make no provision for connecting services.

AoT president, Air Marshal Chana U-sathaporn, cites the problem of traffic congestion at Suvarnabhumi Airport and the need to make best use of the country’s aviation assets.

“Suvarnabhumi is operating close to full capacity and a new terminal will take at least five years to complete, once the construction plan has been approved, possibly by the end of 2008.

“Also, AoT has been losing huge revenue since the move to the new airport,” he told members of the Asia Pacific airlines presidents meeting earlier this month.

According to Mr Chana, AoT is targeting non-connecting regional flights. However, the move to Don Mueang would be on a voluntary basis to avoid having to face expensive relocation claims from airlines.

“We know that there are problems in having fleets at two airports, particularly for large airlines. So, AoT is asking airlines that operate small aircraft to shift to Don Mueang. In fact, the passenger capacity issue is not as serious as air traffic congestion. At Suvarnabhumi, there are too many small aircraft operating. They carry fewer passengers, but create more air traffic congestion,” Mr Chana said.

To attract airlines to return to Don Mueang, AoT is thinking of offering incentives such as a lower office rental rates, but whether lower landing fees are possible, Mr Chana says that issue needs thorough investigation.

International airlines would share Terminal One that is now open just for charter flights.

In addition, AoT had hired ICAO to conduct a study on how best to use two airports, but due to delays the report will be nine months late based on the original delivery schedule in December. The AoT was relying on the outcome of the study before making a move, but decided it could no longer wait. It held a brainstorming session with ICAO and other parties, 26 November. ICAO reported it would still go ahead and complete the study now due by the latest, August 2008.

To relieve air traffic congestion at Suvarnabhumi, airlines proposed a reduction in landing fees for non-peak periods to motivate some carriers to re- adjust their timetables.