Staff and airlines serving Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport are coping with a busy long weekend of holiday travel. It started on Wednesday, HM the King’s birthday and the first of what has become a four day break for many Thais and expats. Friday was declared a special public holiday, in addition to Saturday and Sunday.
According to a Nation Thailand report, Suvarnabhumi’s general manager says its one of the busiest travel periods they had since the borders were closed back in April 2020.
Kittipong Kittikachorn says the airport is busy and welcoming around 95,000 passengers and 600 flights each day over the long holiday weekend. He says the airport and the Airline Operators Committee in Bangkok have advised carriers and staff to be ready for the surge in passenger numbers. As a result, Suvarnabhumi has 318 check-in desks, 196 self-check-in kiosks, and 42 bag drop-off points in operation.
In terms of parking, Kittipong says parking in zone C is free until August 1, while bus, taxi, and limousine service providers are being asked to ensure there are enough vehicles to meet the expected jump in demand.
Despite the resurgence in travel, Kittipong says airport staff are aware that Covid-19 has not gone away. There will be frequent cleaning of shared surfaces and hand sanitiser will be made available for passengers. Staff will be required to wear face masks and practice social distancing in the terminal.
Finally, passengers are being asked to allow plenty of time for their trip and to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights and at least 2 hours before departure for domestic trips.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
