Suvarnabhumi becomes less busy
Play
Political instability is squeezing the number of passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport, said the operator Airports of Thailand.
Suvarnabhumi Airport director Rawiwan Netrakhawesna said that during May 1-15, the number of passengers dropped by 10 per cent from the same period last year. The number has been declining after the Songkran festival, she said, adding that this should worsen during June and August.
Rawiwan attributed the drop to several factors including political instability as well as the seasonal low season.
"Without any unexpected factors, the airport would serve about 300,000 passengers a day. Now, the number has been falling due to disturbances, aside from China's tourism policy. From 800 daily flights, some 70-80 flights have been cancelled. Most of them were supposed to be originated in China," she said.
The earlier forecast is that the number of passengers at the airport would increase by 5 per cent from last year.
Rawiwan noted that taking into accounts the negative factors, the target seems unachievable and the number could even contract.
Despite the hiccup at the main gateway, Airports of Thailand witnessed an increase in the number of passengers at other airports like Don Mueang and Phuket.
