Budget airlines demand clearer plan
Operators have asked the government to lay out a clearer plan for moving low-cost airlines to Don Mueang Airport in a bid to reduce congestion at Suvarnabhumi, saying the main airport could serve 10 million more passengers a year but was poorly managed.
Udom Tantiprasongchai, owner and chief executive officer of Orient Thai Airlines, said the government should have a clear plan on the reuse of Don Mueang Airport, as well as a long-term operational plan. Pre-viously, its policy has been uncertain and confusing.
He said moving his airline’s operation base would cost at least Bt10 million, including setting up facilities to serve passengers. It would also have an impact on employees’ residential arrangements, causing a big economic loss. The company will cooperate with the government, but needs a long-term plan to secure its business, he said.
Tassapol Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia, said the company could not say whether it would move to Don Mueang after the recent government decision. The reason is that the operational policy is unclear.
He said Airports of Thailand, operator of Bangkok’s two airports, should call for airline operators to discuss and map out the direction together. Relocating to another airport must |be considered carefully and in detail |on every aspect of such a move, especially a flood-protection plan and |the readiness of Don Mueang to support it.
Udom said the government should also have a public relations plan so local and foreign tourists understand the situation. This is especially important for overseas travellers, who want to avoid inconvenience.
He said the congestion at Suvar-nabhumi was due to mismanagement of the airport. Despite its great size, it can handle fewer passengers than Singapore’s Changi or Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok, which are smaller.
Also, the airport has 10 inactive hours a day that could accommodate takeoffs and landings.
