Along with the new prime minister’s wishes to expand airport services, and even major airports, in preparation for this year’s high season, Chiang Mai is going 24/7.
From November, Chiang Mai International Airport will temporarily operate 24 hours a day, according to airport director, Ronakorn Chlermsanyakorn. He made the announcement, saying the airport would be applying to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand for permission to temporarily operate around the clock. The CAAT is expected to grant permission by the end of this month.
According to a Phuket Express report, the airport is also considering a permanent move to 24-hour operations. Ronakorn says this would give tourism in the province a significant boost by increasing the number of flights serving the airport. However, he acknowledges the need to take local residents into account when it comes to loud noise late at night.
The airport director says he’s in talks with airlines and relevant officials about how to schedule flights appropriately.
“In the last quarter of this year, the high season in Thailand, there will be an increase in the number of international flights by 30%. Much of this is due to a visa exemption programme for Chinese and Kazakh tourists that started on September 25.”
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
