No Conclusion Yet On Future Use Of Don Muang Airport

No conclusion yet on future use of Don Muang Airport

BANGKOK: -- A meeting Friday between Thailand's Ministry of Transport and representatives of domestic and international airlines could not agree on the future use of Bangkok's former international airport, Transport Minister Thira Haocharoen said.

Admiral Thira said he would consult with his deputy and government agencies involved before submitting a proposal to the Cabinet in the next few weeks.

The minister added that the purpose of Friday's meeting was for him to listen to both the proponents and the opponents of reopening Don Muang airport.

Sources said the debate was quite intense, but it seemed most airlines want Don Muang to serve only non-connecting domestic flights.

Demand for the re-use of Don Muang, currently serving only chartered flights, is gaining momentum due to congestion and problems with taxiways and runways at Suvarnabhumi.

It is expected a final proposal would be submitted for Cabinet consideration on January 30.

"We realise that it's absolutely critical to reach a decision on the future use of Don Muang airport as soon as possible. The longer it takes to decide, the more wasteful it becomes. We cannot let Don Muang go to waste; that's not right," Adm. Thira said.

--TNA 2007-01-20