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Airlines admit big losses as PAD protesters shut down airports
Airport and airline managers announced last Saturday that the
anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) besieging of airports
in the tourist-oriented resort provinces had caused severe loss to their
businesses.
The air transport officials urged the protesters not to bring such problems
to the airline business as they attempt to overthrow the government.
Airports of Thailand (AoT) acting president Serirat Prasutanond said such
raids directly affected tourism in Thailand, and asked the PAD not to focus
on the airline business as a means to demand the prime minister’s
resignation.
He added that such disruption would dry up income from the tourism sector
and tarnish the country’s image internationally.
Thai Airways International (THAI) president Apinan Sumanaseni said the
closure of the airports had forced the airline to refund passengers their
airfares. “It’s for the AoT to decide when the airports will be opened, but
THAI is ready to take off,” said Apinan.
THAI union leader Jamsri Sukchote-rat had earlier said in a statement that
15,000 THAI employees would participate in the PAD protests, but Apinan said
the number of those taking leave would not be as many.
The figure the union leader mentioned was the total number of THAI union
members, said Apinan. “The action was the union leader’s stance. However, as
an airline, we still operate as normal,” said the THAI president.
Thai AirAsia chief executive officer Tassapon Bijleveld said the closure put
a halt to the airline’s flights to Phuket and Krabi. “Our staff called the
passengers to inform them about the cancellations on Friday night.
“Most passengers were understanding that our situation that was beyond our
control,” said Tassapon. “If passengers wish to reschedule their flights,
they may do so without additional charges. For those who would like to
cancel their flights, they would get a full refund.” (TNA)
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