BANGKOK, June 24 – Thailand’s domestic carrier Bangkok Airways closed its check-in service at Bangkok’s City Air Terminal, also known as Makkasan Station.
Airline public relations director Nantika Worawan said the service is closed temporarily, as few passengers used the facility on average per day.
Bangkok Airways initially expected some 400 passengers would check in at the City Air Terminal, or about 20 per cent of approximately 2,000 travellers using the carrier at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The figure expected was later lowered to 20-50 passengers per day.
Ms Nantika said such low numbers were due to the fact that it was more practical and convenient for travellers to take a taxi directly to the airport.
She said the carrier will re-open its counter when the government attracts more riders to use the Makkasan Station service, which may be positively affected by providing added convenience in travelling, and building a department store within the compound.
Meanwhile, Thai Airways International (THAI) continues to offer its city check-in service, but the number of counters was reduced from four to one, for only some 15 passengers use the facility daily. The airline has not yet halted service as the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is not charging for use of the counter.
Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport Airport Link began full operation in January when its check-in service was opened for the first time.
The 28-km rail link connects Suvarnabhumi Airport in adjacent Samut Prakan province and the City Air Terminal in Bangkok’s Makkasan area. (MCOT online news)
