New Bangkok airport dates in doubt

Confused and unable to communicate appropriately with clients, the private sector is relying on conflicting reports over whether the airport will be ready on time. The issue has become a hot potato for the Thai Rak Thai government, led by caretaker prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, leaving the trade and their overseas partners perplexed over the status of an airport billed as the new aviation hub of Southeast Asia. "Whether or not it will open is not as important as whether it will function as it should, and that all facilities will be ready," said industry veteran and Creative Destination Management managing director Sumate Sudasna. "I understand that many elements will not be, such as the offices and lounges of most airlines on the set opening date." Local test flights will begin on July 29, but questions remain regarding readiness and global accreditation standards as both international and local airlines have expressed concerns. "We wish this issue was handled more clearly. Now we keep both options open (Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi airports) for business due to arrive this year and early 2007," said Sumate. While the industry is unconvinced the airport will open on schedule, questions also remain over logistics and prices from Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is on the opposite side of Bangkok from the existing facility at Don Muang and considerably further away from the central business district. However, Diethelm Travel Asia chief operations officer Richard Brower said clients would understand the difficulties in opening a new airport and any price increases as a result of the airport's location. "Many will know that Bangkok will, in the very near future, operate a brand new airport. Delays are common and when the time is right, it will be operational," he said. "Transport costs will not be drastically affected. Costs today are much more dependent on the worldwide oil prices."