Re-opened Don Muang may initially operate in the red

BANGKOK, Feb 25 (TNA) – Bangkok's former international airport at Don Muang -- scheduled to start operating direct domestic flights on March 25 -- may operate at a loss in the early stage of its reopening, Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um said.

Initially, only three airlines will operate direct domestic flights from Don Muang -- which comprise 17 per cent of the total domestic flights scheduled from the capital. They are now preparing to move back to the airport and to resume providing services there on March 25 as approved earlier by the cabinet, Mr. Sansern confirmed.

The three airlines are Thai Airways, Nok Air and Orient Thai.

Acknowledging that Don Muang may operate at loss in the beginning, Mr. Sansern said he was optimistic that revenue should improve in future if demand for use at the airport increased.

He further explained that the government's policy is clear that the new Suvarnabhumi Airport will be Bangkok's primary airport while Don Muang, closed since last September following the opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport, would play a secondary role.

The reopening of Don Muang was made necessary, the Cabinet agreed, to facilitate repairs of damaged sections of runways and taxiways at Suvarnabhumi Airport for fears that it might be unsafe for the travelling public and the air carriers themselves.

There are over 100 cracks in the runways and taxiways at the new airport and repairs are underway.

TNA