BANGKOK, Dec 25 – Thailand’s main international airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, is prepared for a huge influx of travellers, with almost two million passengers expected to use the facility during the 12-day festive New Year holidays, said the Airports of Thailand (AoT) chief on Tuesday.
AoT acting president Somchai Sawasdipol said 1.88 million passengers are expected use Suvarnabhumi Airport services between December 25 and January 5, or about 156,000 persons daily.
The airport has set up a special centre to facilitate traveler needs and ensure safety on the premises, the AoT chief said.
Mr Somchai the AoT has coordinated with airlines regarding the amount of passengers during the period and has opened more check-in counters to handle the anticipated passenger flow.
He said the airport also sought cooperation from the Royal Thai Police’s Immigration Division to deploy more officials at the immigration counters in order to ease congestion.
Mr Somchai expressed confidence that the passengers will receive convenience during their travel through the country’s six airports nationwide, operated by the AoT, particularly at Suvarnabhumi.
The AoT acting president said Suvarnabhumi Airport served about 52 million passengers in 2012, exceeding its capacity of 45 million per year.
Mr Somchai insisted that the second and third phase of construction of Suvarnabhumi Airport is needed in respond to the rising figure of passengers.
The overall number travellers for AoT’s six airports nationwide for 2012 stands at 74 million and is expected to increase to 78 million next year due to expansion of the tourism industry, the AoT chief said.
