Don Mueang to reopen April 1

Don Mueang to reopen April 1

Flood-ravaged Don Mueang airport will reopen for full commercial operations in April 1, Airports of Thailand president Aniruth Thanomkulbutr said Monday.

Inspections confirmed the runway surfaces on the western and eastern sides of the airport are still strong. Water, electricity and other services have been repaired, he said.

The AOT chief said Orient Thai and Nok Air could return to their bases at Don Mueang on April 1, 2011. The two domestic airlines switched their operations to Suvarnabhumi airport because of this year's great flood.

Mr Aniruth said there is a new risk. There are more birds flying around the airport because of the fish that arrived with the great flood and they could pose a danger to aviation safety.

Airport authorities will find ways to chase off birds. Suvarnabhumi airport once faced a a similar problem, he said.

The airport was inundated for about six weeks. The cost of repairs and renovating the airport in the wake of the flood is estimated at 20 million baht, Mr Aniruth said.

Deputy government spokesman Chalitrat Chanthrubekkha said the great flood had damaged at least 8,413 factories countrywide causing losses totalling at least 229 billion baht.

The figures were compiled from a survey of 90 per cent of affected factories in 42 provinces, Mr Chalitrat said after today's cabinet meeting during which damage reports were presented.

He said 2,153 factory owners had registered for state help, including tax reductions, between Nov 1 and 16.

Ayutthaya province, where the heavily flooded Rojana Industrial Park and Hi Tech Industrial Estate are located, topped the damage bill at more than 169 billion baht, followed by Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Lop Buri and Bangkok.

~News courtesy of Bangkok Post~