Chiang Rai airport shut for 4 days after Nok Air jet skids off runway
THE NATION
The Chiang Rai airport has closed for four days after a Nok Air plane skidded off the runway in heavy rain on Saturday night.
The airport initially issued a Notice to Airmen (Notam) to all airlines, advising them that the airport would be closed on Sunday. However, the closure was then extended until August 3.
The airport, which is also known as Mae Fah Luang, explained that officials needed time to remove the stricken Nok Air plane after it careered off the runway and came to a stop.
The accident occurred at around 9pm on Saturday as Nok Air flight DD108 attempted to land in heavy rain. The Boeing 737-800 was carrying 164 passengers and six crew from Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport.
Nok Air said the pilot managed to bring the plane to a stop and all passengers and crew were then ferried safely to the terminal. An accident investigation has been launched.
