U-Tapao Airport to serve commercial flights instead of Suvarnabhumi

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U-Tapao Airport to serve commercial flights instead of Suvarnabhumi  :
27 Nov 2008

BANGKOK, Nov 27 (TNA) - Thailand's Department of Civil Aviation will issue licenses to all airlines to transport passengers to and from U-Tapao military airport to solve the problem of stranded passengers after the shutdown of Suvarnabhumi Airport by anti government protesters, according to Chaisak Angsuwan, the department's acting director-general.

He said any airline ready to use the facilities at U-Tapao, 140 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, can inform the department directly.

Land facilities for air transport services at U-Tapao Airport will be provided by Thai Airways, the national carrier.

Meanwhile, Muslim pilgrims who want to travel to perform the Haj, or pilgrimage, to Saudi Arabia can leave from U-Tapao as well, he said. The department will also provide transportation from Bangkok to U-Tapao.

Meanwhile, about 400 Muslim pilgrims from Thailand's three southernmost provinces, who have been left stranded at Suvarnabhumi Airport during the PAD takeover, are leaving for U-Tapao to depart for Mecca after being approved by the Department of Civil Aviation. (TNA)