New Airport Up And Running, Computer Glitches And Delayed Bags

[george]

Computer glitches mar first full day at new Bangkok airport

BANGKOK: -- Passengers at Bangkok's new international airport Thursday faced delays in collecting their bags and checking in on the first full day of operations because of computer and mechanical glitches.

Thousands of passengers arriving on the first flights had to wait one hour to collect their bags as equipment was slow in arriving from the old airport, which closed during the night.

"The delay was caused by the delay of moving Thai Airways ground handling equipment from the old airport to the new one," said Chotisak Asapaviriya, president of Airports of Thailand, which operates the facility.

"It's just a minor error, and it will be the only one. We will never let this happen again," he said.

But at Thai Airways check-in counters, computers crashed before the first flights out of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport, causing delays as airline workers had to issue handwritten boarding passes and baggage claim tags.

That left long lines, but many passengers seemed prepared for delays on the first full day of operations, when some 800 flights will fly through.

"Today is the first day, so we don't expect anything to go well," said Paul Millar, a 46-year-old Briton who works in Bangkok.

"Fortunately we arrived early just in case," he said.

AFP 2006-09-28

[terdsak_12]

To be expected.

[Greer]

Doesn't sound too bad - not worse than the opening of the airport in KL a few years ago.

Well done to those involved!

[astral]

Hongkong also had teething problems.

[BlackJack]

no big party for the opening day

what a let down

[pidster]

I am also well pleased all seems to be going well on the first day. But I honestly did think that they would get it done come hel_l or high water and given the downpours yesterday evening the achievement is even greater. Well done to Thailand and all concerned.

[brahmburgers]

It's expected and no big deal - considering the large array of logistical concerns. However, there are still basic conveniences that need to be dealt with: namely: a greater number of seats, some of which should enable weary travelers to lay prone or so some stretching while looking at a tree or flower bush (instead of ads for Estee Lauder). More restrooms. Cheaper internet. Is there a small park-like area for a person who might like a few minutes of relatively fresh air and perhaps a spot of sunshine on their face?.

[BigSnake]

Off to a fairly good start. WISH all many many years are accident free (safe) Operation. Good show sorry it took so long

[castelleone]

Congratulation to all involved, also to the team "can do" from Munich airport who organized the whole thing. I wish this airport all times smooth operating without any accidents.

[buzz]

I've got to fly home to Samui proong-nee ...

ANYBODY got an idea how long approximately it's going to take to get there (new airport) from Sukumvit Soi 3 in a taxi ???

[george]

Bangkok Opens New Airport Suvarnabhumi as Don Muang Closes

BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International has successfully migrated its operational base from Don Muang’s Bangkok International Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

THAI’s six main activities, those being Cargo and Mail Commercial, Ground Support Equipment Services, Catering Services, Aircraft Maintenance Center, Customer Services, and Operations Center, have completely transferred their equipment and personnel to Suvarnabhumi Airport, whereby a total of 1.8 million pieces have been moved.

Flg. Off. Apinan Sumanaseni, President of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, said “As the national carrier of Thailand, those of us at THAI are rather nostalgic of Don Muang’s Bangkok International Airport after having operated there for the past 46 years. In addition, we are excited about our move to Suvarnabhumi Airport, which offers a whole new range of travel experiences, utilizing modern state-of-the-art facilities tailored to the changing needs of today’s global traveler. It is with pleasure and great anticipation that THAI announces the beginning of a new era, with flights to and from our new operational base at Suvarnabhumi Airport.”

Overnight, THAI transferred the parking location of its aircraft. A total of 22 aircraft were flown as ferry flights without passengers from Don Muang’s Bangkok International Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

All airlines flying to Bangkok now fly to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

--Asiatraveltips.com 2006-09-28

[martinhuahin]

Congratulations for the opening!!

I hour delay for baggage?

In the UK a 1 hour wait is the Norm at LGW, LHR, STN, MAN - all airports I've used in the last 12 months, and all equally appalling for luggage delivery times. Indeed at LGW I waited 90 mins for my baggage, without an apology or explanation - it was NOT to do with the recent security situaiton.

I hope that the new BKK proves to be a wonderful success, and a showcase for visitors entering the country that Thailand can be proud of.

[krismat89]

Well done to all l recon....we are just minutes away from the airport and from here we get a great view! With the rain so heavy last night, l think that all should be congratulated on a job well done!

[richchin]

Are immigration lines shorter than they were at the old airport?

[penguin]

I wonder how well the air conditioning is working inside the terminals. On Thai tv just now there were scenes with many long passenger lines and people in line (mainly Thai) fanning themselves. Last week people were saying it was too hot there and airport management said they didn't have it all switched on yet so as to save money. Let's hope someone remembered to turn it all on now it's up and running for real.

[Jai Dee]

The leakages on the roof of Suvarnabhumi Airport’s terminal building to be completely repared by next week

The Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) has accelerated the repair of the terminal building’s roof in Suvarnabhumi Airport as the leakages on the roof are causing rainwater to enter the building. AOT President Chotisak Asapaviriya (โชติศักดิ์ อาสภวิริยะ) has insisted that the repair of the roof is the first priority, while anticipating that the task will be fully completed within next week.

Suvarnabhumi Airport has officially opened for commercial services early this morning at 3 AM. Mr. Chotisak said he is satisfied with the overall operation in the new airport, notwithstanding the minor problem of the baggage conveyor system. The problem and the heavy downpour last night caused the first commercial flight of Suvarnabhumi Airport to delay for over 40 minutes. Nevertheless, the AOT will issue a document to clarify the problems. As for the problems of insufficient restrooms in the airport, the AOT is preparing to build more restrooms near the parking lot and in two terminal buildings.

As for the ground services, the AOT President said all equipments from Don Muang Airport have been transferred to Suvarnabhumi Airport, adding that the AOT is ready to provide the best services for all passengers.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 September 2006

[binnsy]

:

To be expected.

At least it does not appear to be a WEMBLEY STADIUM.So i would not wave the flag

[Crushdepth]

Entirely predictable. Was it so difficult to test that everything is working properly and fix the bugs *before* the airport was operational?

I hope their air traffic controllers don't make any 'minor mistakes', 'computer glitches' or 'random unexplained coffee breaks'...

[Jai Dee]

CDR Deputy Chief Chalit checked the readiness of Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Deputy Chief of the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR), Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk (ชลิต พุกผาสุก), inspected the readiness of services in Suvarnabhumi Airport, while admitting that some passengers had encountered inconvenience during the first six hours of the airport’s opening. However, he said that the inconvenience was deemed usual for a new airport.

This morning, the baggage conveyor system of Suvarnabhumi Airport experienced a minor problem, causing a flight delay to passengers of flight TG 316 who travelled from New Delhi, India. Nevertheless, ACM Chalit already assigned the authority to repair the system.

In the meantime, Cathay Pacific Airways has announced its readiness to operate in Suvarnabhumi Airport. Cathay Pacific handed certificates to all passengers of its first flight at the new airport.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 September 2006

[nasa]

Congratulation and well done. Thailand.

[sleepy]

Hip hip whoo-raa for the thais on their new airport I will be happy to land and take off from there. straight on to the express way instead of the rush from down the south east to don muang. Was a pain missus,wouldnt let me stay alone in sukkunvit for the night when going to don muang so always had to go there in rush hour to go abroad.

[george]

Minor hiccup on first day at Suvarnabhumi Airport

BANGKOK: -- The first full day of operations of Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi Airport kicked off Thursday morning with little fanfare, but the first passengers experienced a minor glitch caused by delays in collecting passenger baggage.

The futuristic US$4 billion airport which boasts the world's largest passenger terminal, the world's largest hangar, and world's tallest control tower--at 132.2 metres higher than Kuala Lumpur International Airport's tower by 10 metres--officially opened on schedule.

However, passengers on the first commercial flight landing at Suvarnabhumi -- Aeroswit flight VV 171 from Ukrane's Kiev with 206 passengers-- had to wait more than one hour to collect their baggage from the new automated baggage handling machines.

Chotisak Asapaviriya, president of Airports of Thailand (AoT) explained that the delay had nothing to do with the airport's baggage handling machines.

"It's only a minor glitch," he said, "the delay was caused by ground equipment transportation of Thai Airways International (THAI) from Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang) to Suvarnabhumi."

The full transfer of passenger flights and other commercial aviation responsibilities from Don Muang, which has served travellers for nine decades, to the new airport was completed at 3am Thursday (2000 GMT Wednesday).

Thailand's military assigned 800 troops to the airport to ensure safety. Several army canine units have been deployed at the single passenger terminal to inspect suspicious packages.

Suvarnabumi, about 25 kilometres east of Bangkok, is capable of handling 76 flights per hour and services 90 airlines.

The airport will initially serve 45 million passengers annually, with capacity expected to more than double once it becomes fully operational.

--TNA 2006-09-28

[Jai Dee]

The atmostphere at Don Muang Airport this morning is not lively as usual

The atmosphere in Don Muang Airport is very quiet today after the authorities have relocated all equipments to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Passengers are no longer travelling to Don Muang Airport as it has officially ended its 92-year operation.

Last night, university students, officials, press members and members of the public gathered at Don Muang Airport to take part in an important historical day of the country. They came to take photos and wrote farewell messages to the country’s oldest airport. All messages will be posted on the farewell boards of Thai Airways.

At 3:10 hours, Don Muang Airport started to switch off the lights along its runway, and eventually ended its operation. The only activity was the transfer of equipments to the new airport. The heavy rain last night caused some difficulties on the transfer of equipments, and it could not complete the task before 5:00 hours. However, it is expected to finish today.

An exhibition will be organized at the 1st and 2nd terminal buildings of Don Muang Airport, and officials have been dispatched to secure the areas.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 September 2006

[Backpack_thailand]

I'm off to the new airport in a couple of weeks to pick my Mum up. I'm looking forward to seeing how it looks.

It's another hour from Don Muang though coming from Kan, a real pain in the asre!

[Jai Dee]

ACM Chalit develops good understanding with the tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Deputy Chief of the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) and the Royal Thai Air Force Commander, Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pookpasuk (ชลิต พุกผาสุก), developed a mutual understanding with tourists in Suvarnabhumi Airport about the current political situation in Thailand.

ACM Chalit informed the tourists that no violence took place during the coup, and they should not be worried. He stated that the general atmosphere is friendly, adding that people in the country are taking photographs with the soldiers. He also insisted that the CDR has no policy to seize the power to administrate the country.

The CDR is also prepared to help work on the measures of Suvarnabhumi Airport, and the three armed forces have dispatched troops to facilitate the passengers there.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 September 2006

[Tony Clifton]

I was wondering if we'd hear low flying planes in the area once it opened. Nothing! It's actually quieter than when Don Muang was in operation, which wasn't even bothering with the occasional rumble. Now, time to figure out how to shut up the neighbour's rodent-like dogs.

I pity the poor folks who live around Suvarnabhumi though.

[Scott]

I am hoping everything gets running smoothly; I'll be using it in a week or so.

I really do hope for the best for the airport. I just can't imagine everyone making such a fuss about an airport.

[JacknDanny]

Congratulation to all involved, also to the team "can do" from Munich airport who organized the whole thing. I wish this airport all times smooth operating without any accidents.

As long as the taxi driver knows where he is going, ie via expressway Rama IX, no more than 45 minutes

[JacknDanny]

I've got to fly home to Samui proong-nee ...

ANYBODY got an idea how long approximately it's going to take to get there (new airport) from Sukumvit Soi 3 in a taxi ???

Sorry I replied to previous poster!!!!

It should take no longer than 45 minutes as long as the taxi driver knows where he is going, ie via expressway RamaIX

[Thai-Spy]

We want to add our congratulations to the Airport authority for doing what many deemed impossible.

Two questions:

1) Now that the Snake Pit has become operational, has it assumed the airport code "BKK" and is Don Muang now and forevermore designated "DBK"?

2) Until today, Don Muang held the record for the international airport in longest continuous operation in the same location. Which airport now inherits that record?