Praphan Patthamakitsakun told reporters that airlines flying to and from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong have increased flights by around 50 per cent for the period commencing on Valentine’s Day and ending on 26 February. The director expounded by saying the percentage increase represented a rise from just under 600 flights a day to more than 900 for the period.
He added that this equated to an average of 165,000 passengers a day passing through the portals of Suvarnabhumi and 20 per cent up on the Chinese New Year period last year. Mr Patthamakitsakun noted that mainland Chinese carrier China Eastern Airlines had asked for an extra 140 slots during the New Year.
The director finished off by warning passengers departing from Suvarnabhumi during the festive period to allow at least four hours to check in and complete security and immigration procedures. The official beginning of the Year of the Goat is 19 February. Suvarnabhumi usually quietens down as the New Year is ushered in because most visitors Chinese are already in-country and celebrating.
Bangkok Airport braces for Chinese New Year
News in Asia
Management and staff at Bangkok’s main airport are preparing for unprecedented numbers of Chinese arrivals ahead of the Lunar New Year festivities. The director of the Thai capital’s Suvarnabhumi Airport says the increase in the number of flights scheduled over the next fortnight will see more than two million Chinese passengers arriving.