U-tapao Becomes Tourists Escape Valve.

[kurgen]

With Suvarnabhumi international airport currently operating as a giant food vendors market and camping ground for supporters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, the government of prime minister Somchai Wongsawat has been forced to turn the navy-controlled U-Tapao airport in Sattahip as the main centre for tourist arrivals and departures.

An estimated 90-100,000 foreign tourists are currently stranded in Thailand, and many of them are here in Pattaya. That said, the city is already experiencing the knock-on effect of reduced tourist numbers. Many people have cancelled their trips while others are able to get to Phuket or Chiang Mai but then face another wait to get to U-Tapao and on to Pattaya.

The government fears that if the PAD occupation of the second-busiest airport in Southeast Asia continues, these numbers could easily double over the next couple of weeks.

On Friday afternoon six flights were able to leave U-Tapao and it is expected this number will rise to about 48 per day. Among the carriers who are said to be willing to use U-Tapao are EVA Air, Lufthansa, and Scandinavian airlines. Whatever happens, U-Tapao can only be seen as a temporary solution as it is unable to handle anywhere near the capacity required to keep the tourism turnstiles ticking over. In the meantime, taxis, minivans, and buses that usually ply their trade from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya have now relocated to U-Tapao.

Pattaya One News

[robee]

With Suvarnabhumi international airport currently operating as a giant food vendors market and camping ground for supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, the government of prime minister Somchai Wongsawat has been forced to turn the navy-controlled U-Tapao airport in Sattahip as the main centre for tourist arrivals and departures.

An estimated 90-100,000 foreign tourists are currently stranded in Thailand, and many of them are here in Pattaya. That said, the city is already experiencing the knock-on effect of reduced tourist numbers. Many people have cancelled their trips while others are able to get to Phuket or Chiang Mai but then face another wait to get to U-Tapao and on to Pattaya.

The government fears that if the PAD occupation of the second-busiest airport in Southeast Asia continues, these numbers could easily double over the next couple of weeks.

On Friday afternoon six flights were able to leave U-Tapao and it is expected this number will rise to about 48 per day. Among the carriers who are said to be willing to use U-Tapao are EVA Air, Lufthansa, and Scandinavian airlines. Whatever happens, U-Tapao can only be seen as a temporary solution as it is unable to handle anywhere near the capacity required to keep the tourism turnstiles ticking over. In the meantime, taxis, minivans, and buses that usually ply their trade from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya have now relocated to U-Tapao.

Pattaya One News

read this in BKK post on Saturday, good idea but airport is to small to handle the 250,000 people stranded.

[davee58]

I think some airlines are carrying out the Check In procedure elsewhere, then taking people to the airport by bus.

Seems like this is the long term solution, it does not look like either of the main Bangkok airports will be open soon.

Many airlines now seem to be succesfully organising flights from airports other than Bangkok.

Difficult situation, but a big Thank You is due to the Airlines who manage it..

[R2Quad]

Seems like this is the long term solution, it does not look like either of the main Bangkok airports will be open soon.

Difficult situation, but a big Thank You is due to the Airlines who manage it..

Managed to get my wife and I on a "relief" flight with Thai Airways, going out from London Heathrow to Utapao on Wednesday 3^rd 21:35 - arrive Thursday 4^th 16:00. They said it was put on to collect some of the stranded tourists and get them back to the UK.

Opinion over here, from the people I've talked to, seems to be that it will be several days yet before either of the Bangkok Airports reopen for International flights.

Does anybody know what it's like getting OUT of Utapao Airport after arriving, it looks really small?

[meow_lek]

Managed to get my wife and I on a "relief" flight with Thai Airways, going out from London Heathrow to Utapao on Wednesday 3^rd 21:35 - arrive Thursday 4^th 16:00.

Asking in advance here.. unless anyone has recent experience flying in with Thai to U Tapao...? How long were you getting through customs there? Also was your luggage collected at U Tapao or from a collection point in Bangkok?

Thanks

[meow_lek]

Asking in advance here.. Thanks

Had a bit more of a look around TV and found my questions answered brilliantly

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Tapao-Airport-t226520.html

[MeetJohnDoe]

My friend arrived on an EVA flight from Taipei Sunday and had no problems. Took about 2 hours to clear immigration and collect bags.

[R2Quad]

Thanks all, for the information. Very helpful, especially the link...... seems much better than I had originally expected!!