Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport, despite a well-publicised so-called first landing in September, may finally open in June 2006. But several question marks still hang over the development and IATA has a number of misgivings
As public relations events go, the one just outside Bangkok on 29 September 2005 at which the first aircraft touched down at the new Suvarnabhumi airport was a big one. It almost looked like a new airport was being opened, with senior government officials and hundreds of invited guests present. Almost.
The massive event was, in fact, a face-saving exercise for those involved in the multi-billion-dollar project that has suffered repeated delays over so many years. In particular, it was intended to make Thailand’s tough-talking prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, look like he got his way.
For years Thaksin had publicly insisted the airport would be ready for full operations by the end of September 2005, despite the fact that almost anyone with an understanding of airport operations kept telling the Thai government it would be impossible. When the country’s leaders admitted what most already knew, that the opening target was unrealistic, the goalposts were moved and 29 September became the date for which flight testing would officially begin. June 2006 would be the new month of opening, Thaksin announced at the ceremonial event in September, qualifying it by saying it could be October “at the latestâ€.
The airport is badly needed, as Bangkok’s Don Muang airport, in the eyes of many regular travellers, is well past its retirement age. Those behind Suvarnabhumi will have reason to be proud of their belated achievement, as it is aesthetically pleasing and will be far more comfortable for travellers than Don Muang. The existing airport was officially opened in 1914 and claims to be the oldest international airport still in operation.
Flight International
As public relations events go, the one just outside Bangkok on 29 September 2005 at which the first aircraft touched down at the new Suvarnabhumi airport was a big one. It almost looked like a new airport was being opened, with senior government officials and hundreds of invited guests present. Almost.
The massive event was, in fact, a face-saving exercise for those involved in the multi-billion-dollar project that has suffered repeated delays over so many years. In particular, it was intended to make Thailand’s tough-talking prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, look like he got his way.
For years Thaksin had publicly insisted the airport would be ready for full operations by the end of September 2005, despite the fact that almost anyone with an understanding of airport operations kept telling the Thai government it would be impossible. When the country’s leaders admitted what most already knew, that the opening target was unrealistic, the goalposts were moved and 29 September became the date for which flight testing would officially begin. June 2006 would be the new month of opening, Thaksin announced at the ceremonial event in September, qualifying it by saying it could be October “at the latestâ€.
The airport is badly needed, as Bangkok’s Don Muang airport, in the eyes of many regular travellers, is well past its retirement age. Those behind Suvarnabhumi will have reason to be proud of their belated achievement, as it is aesthetically pleasing and will be far more comfortable for travellers than Don Muang. The existing airport was officially opened in 1914 and claims to be the oldest international airport still in operation.
Flight International
