February 17, 2007

BANGKOK, Feb. 17.— Don Muang Airport will be reopened for domestic flights only, but only Thai Airways International, Nok Air and One-Two-Go have committed to move their non-transit flights, transport minister Mr Theera Haocharoen said yesterday. Mr Theera said after meeting with a committee on Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang operations chaired by Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont, that Don Muang should handle about 70 flights per day. “International flights will continue to be handled at Suvarnabhumi Airport,” he told reporters, adding that the meeting's recommendation would be forwarded for Cabinet approval next week. The 70 flights account for 8.5 per cent of traffic at Suvarnabhumi, which handles 822 flights per day operated by 80 airlines.
The decision came a day after more than 60 airlines, in particular members of Star Alliance, insisted they would not leave Suvarnabhumi as they had invested a huge amount of money and effort and were also concerned about inconveniencing passengers. They also said that as safety problems are not the issue, Suvarnabhumi remained suitable for their operations.

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