PM: I'll sort out new airport myself

Bangkok Post, February 16, 2007

NATTAYA CHETCHOTIROS & AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK


Airlines warn they'll halt Thailand flights

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont announced yesterday he will take over the handling of problems related to Suvarnabhumi airport, as airlines threatened to halt flights to Thailand if they were forced to move back to Don Muang airport.

Gen Surayud, in an interview with the Bangkok Post, said fixing Suvarnabhumi's problems was now among the top priorities of the interim government, and he would take charge personally to streamline the decision making process.

While addressing the new airport's problems, his government would keep in mind that it must protect national interests and ensure passenger safety, he said.

The matter would be discussed today at a meeting of the committee on operating policies for Suvarnabhumi and Bangkok airport, better known as Don Muang.

Gen Surayud is expected to make a decision today on the future of the two airports after a briefing on conditions at Suvarnabhumi by teams that have examined the problem-plagued airport.

Representatives from airlines and airline organisations threatened to withdraw from Thailand over the reopening of Don Muang as they met with representatives of the Transport Ministry in Bangkok.

''Some members are going to review their commitment to continue their services from Thailand if they are forced to split operations to serve two airports,'' Brian Sinclair-Thompson, president of the Board of Airline Representatives, a group of over 60 international carriers, was quoted as saying by AFP.

However, Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen said the government would stick with its announced policy on Don Muang _ that is to reopen it as an international airport next month, even though most airlines would prefer Don Muang be used for domestic flights only.After a meeting with representatives of airlines, the Airport Operation Committee and the Board of Airlines Representatives, Adm Theera said he would report the airlines' preference to the committee chaired by Gen Surayud today.