Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Old Bangkok airport's future in doubt

Published: Nov. 26, 2011 at 2:39 PM

BANGKOK, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- As floodwaters recede at Bangkok's old airport, the Thai government is deciding whether to pay to restore it.

Don Mueang is the oldest continuously operating airport in an Asian capital. Suvarnabhumi Airport has replaced it as the city's and country's major gateway.

Airports of Thailand PLC, which operates Don Mueang, said the big question is whether the facility needs a permanent flood-control system, the Bangkok Post reported. Installing one would add millions of dollars to the cost of fixing up the terminals.

Most of the airport's business comes from two budget carriers that fly domestically.

Before the flood, Airports of Thailand had been planning to add new maintenance facilities and a new car showroom in an effort to bring more business to Don Mueang. A new terminal for private jets had been completed and has reportedly been heavily damaged by floodwaters.

Most of the airport was still flooded Friday, with jets sitting on tarmacs covered by almost 20 inches of water.

Source: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2011/11/26/Old-Bangkok-airports-future-in-doubt/UPI-79971322336365/

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