BANGKOK, 29 May 2015 – Suvarnabhumi Airport has explained that its recent decision to ban airport staff from bringing plastic bags and styrofoam containers into its airside luggage-sorting area is based on safety concerns, a move that has generated controversy over social media.
Suvarnabhumi Airport General Manager Sirot Duangratana revealed that the ban on plastic bags and polystyrene containers was aimed at preventing risk due to foreign object debris in the aircraft. However, staff are still allowed to use reusable food containers, such as plastic or stainless steel lunchboxes.
The General Manager said the new rule was announced on May 18. However, staff working the night shift were temporarily exempt, given that many food outlets are closed. Now that the airport has allocated a budget for food shops to extend opening hours, all staff members regardless of their shift must comply with the new policy.
The airport is circulating an employee memo to notify all personnel and departments involved.
