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Bangkok, Thailand
Updated: December 1, 2008
November 29, 2008 (iTourist.com News) Over 100,000 tourists are stuck in Thailand as protesters have taken over Bangkok’s two airports, Suvarnabhumi (BKK), the primary international airport and Don Mueang (DMK), used for domestic flights.
The protesters are calling for the government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to resign. They have taken control of both airports and efforts to remove the protesters has been ineffective. In the meantime, the situation is volatile and it is not known when Suvarnabhumi will re-open.
Some tourists are making the best of the situation and enjoying an extended stay in Thailand, but others are growing inpatient. Tourism plays an important role in the Thai economy and Thailand is expected to lose over $4 billion dollars as a result of the shutdown.
Just as tourists cannot get out, they cannot get in. Suvarnabhumi - New Bangkok International - also plays a significant role as an air hub in the region, disrupting air traffic. This has resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations and had disrupted travel plans for many scheduled to visit Thailand. Several international airlines also have aircraft stuck at Suvarnabhumi airport.
Update: The situation is in gridlock and the Bangkok airports remain closed. Police fear possible bloodshed if they attempt to take control of the airport and are reluctant to take action. The Army refuses to play a role in clearing the airport while talk about a coup continues. The Somchai government continues their demand that protesters leave the airport and has said, "The world community's confidence in Thailand is gone."
Despite the shutdown of Bangkok’s two airports, rescue flights are operating and alternatives exist.
Several airlines including Cathay Pacific, JAL, Thai, and Malaysia Airlines are operating rescue flights. Travellers may also take bus services to Phuket or arrange a taxi or other ground transport to Siam Reap. There have been mixed reports concerning the operational status of the airport in Chang Mai, Thailand. The Australian government has advised travellers to only proceed to Chang Mai if you are holding confirmed tickets.
Many air carriers are offering rescue flights out of Utapao, a naval airfield two hours from Bangkok. Other travellers are making their way to Phuket’s airport. Cathay Pacific, JAL, Thai, and Malaysia Airlines are some of the carriers operating special flights from U-Tapao International airport, south of Bangkok. These flights are not bookable online. Directly contact one of the carriers operating rescue flights at their number in Bangkok.
The next Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong will be a Boeing 777-300 with a seating capacity for 385. Since facilities are limited at U-Tapao, Cathay Pacific has urged passengers not to bring check-in luggage for the special flight. The airline has made arrangements for luggage to be shipped to Phuket for air transport.
Update: Cathay Pacific has not provided an update about additional rescue flights. Contact Cathay Pacific in Bangkok for additional information.
Contact your airline, or an airline operating rescue flights, directly in Bangkok for more information if you are interested in booking one of their rescue flights. Per the November 30 update, Cathay Pacific plans to conduct additional flights to Hong Kong depending on demand, regulatory approval, and local circumstances according to a company statement.
Update for Qantas and British Airways Passengers: Qantas will be operating a rescue flight for passengers stranded in Bangkok. Qantas Spokesman, Joe Aston, has said a Qantas Airbus A330-300 will be departing Phuket tonight. The government and airline are making arrangements to bus passengers to Phuket. The flight will operate to Singapore where passengers can connect to points through-out Australia. The flight is being offered to Qantas and British Airways passengers followed by Australians.
U-Tapao Update: The situation is chaotic and there are reports of more passengers showing up than seats available. Many carriers are looking after their own customers first, as well as nationals in cases of national airlines. Demand remains strong for the rescue flights.
Tourists stuck in Bangkok who need out are advised to call their airline and to inquire about rescue flights. In some cases, your embassy or consulate may be able to assist, or act as an informational resource, with respect to rescue flights.
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