Air Asia moving to Don Muang or not ?

[Fireman Sam 336]

The AOT has been trying to get Air Asia to relocate to Don Muang as a measure to relieve congestion at Swampy. They currently fly about 5 million people from Swampy per year, 3 million domestic, two million international. Has Mr Virabongsa Ramangkura, who is in the running for the head job at BOT let the cat out of the bag before an official announcement.

 

 

If you can't be bothered reading the whole link here is the important part

 

"AirAsia has agreed to move but the airline wants an assurance from the government that it will not reverse its policy later."

 

 

http://www.nationmul...g-30180738.html

 

 

On a purely selfish level hope they stay at Swampy, I realise that it will suit some people, but not great for connecting flights. Anybody else heard anything regarding this that I might have missed ?

 

 

Regards

Edited April 26, 2012 by Fireman Sam

[CheshireTom 1,377]

 

On a purely selfish level hope they stay at Swampy, I realise that it will suit some people, but not great for connecting flights. Anybody else heard anything regarding this that I might have missed ?

 

 

This is the background. You've got to feel sorry for the airlines concerned.

[tomcat76 327]

 

"AirAsia has agreed to move but the airline wants an assurance from the government that it will not reverse its policy later."

 

 

'Not sure that someone who still believes in government assurances should be walking around free without a handler, let alone running an airline.

[Fireman Sam 336]

This is the background. You've got to feel sorry for the airlines concerned.

 

Yes, Tom I did see that article, think it was probably where I got my passenger figures from. If they do move this year sometime then they will probably have to move back again when/if the new domestic terminal is finally built at swampy. As you say a real pain and cost for the Airlines.

 

'Not sure that someone who still believes in government assurances should be walking around free without a handler, let alone running an airline.

 

Good point tomcat76, especially this lot in charge at the moment.

 

 

Edit for this timely link. http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/290652/suvarnabhumi-expansion-advances

 

 

Regards

Edited April 26, 2012 by Fireman Sam

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Things appear to have progressed somewhat. I actually prefer Don Mueang (to/from Hat Yai) but I'm not to keen on Nok Air, so it's good news for me.

 

From the Bangkok Post ...

 

 

Airlines get big discounts for move to Don Mueang

 

Bangkok's dual-airport policy 'now concluded'

• Published: 21/06/2012 at 08:18 AM
  
• Newspaper section: NewsThe Airports of Thailand Plc board has approved massive discounts on airport fees in a move to attract airlines to Don Mueang airport.
  

Sumet: Huge discounts for first two months

 

AoT chairman ACM Sumet Photimanee yesterday said the discounts, backed yesterday, would be huge in the first two months and become gradually smaller over three years.

From Aug 1 to Sept 30, when runways at the six-year-old Suvarnabhumi airport will be repaired, 95% discounts will be available for take-off, landing and hangar fees at Don Mueang.

AoT will work out the exact discounts for area rents and fees on passenger boarding bridges, check-in counters, indoor services and flight announcements within next week.

Discounts will be 30% from Oct 1, 2012, to Sept 30, 2013; 20% from Oct 1, 2013, to Sept 30, 2014; and 10% from Oct 1, 2014, to Sept 30, 2015.

ACM Sumet said the cabinet resolved on Tuesday that Suvarnabhumi airport will be the hub airport for full-service and connecting flights, while Don Mueang will serve low-cost carriers and point-to-point domestic and international flights. However, the relocation of airlines from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang must be voluntary.

The AoT chairman said Don Mueang could handle 36.5 million passengers annually.

Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan said 14 commercial and chartered airlines had agreed to move to Don Mueang. He had asked the cabinet to adopt the resolution to ensure that the use of Don Mueang would be permanent.

"Today it has been clearly concluded that the single-airport policy has changed to a dual-airport one," Mr Jarupong said.

He said the relocation incentives target low-cost carriers like Thai AirAsia which operate more than 100 flights per day. Their relocation will greatly relieve congestion at Suvarnabhumi, where an expansion project will take five years and 10 months to complete.

Edited June 21, 2012 by CheshireTom

[Fireman Sam 336]

Ye, I did see that article in the post. whilst the Government have ordered the full use of Don Muang again for low cost airlines and point to point carriers, nobody seems to have addressed what happens when the new low cost terminal and third runway is built at Swampy. Some forward thinking required (is this possible with the government).

 

Things appear to have progressed somewhat. I actually prefer Don Mueang (to/from Hat Yai) but I'm not to keen on Nok Air, so it's good news for me.

 

I am same as yourself Tom, much prefer Air Asia, reason being they use A320 aircraft on the Nakhon Phanom route, also normally half the price as well, whilst Nok use slow ATR 72 aircraft and sometimes very old Saab planes, although Nok are being forced to lower their prices somewhat now.

 

For myself means having to go back to transiting between the two airports between 10-12 times every year. Whilst the airport link and skytrain trains are okay when travelling with hand luggage only. Taxis are hit or miss depending on what Somchai Schumacher you end up getting.

 

I suppose next on the list is for them to announce the transfer date. Well it was handy while it lasted for myself.

 

 

Regards

Edited June 22, 2012 by Fireman Sam

[short 215]

Where do all the freight only flights fly into currently?

[Fireman Sam 336]

Looks like 1st of October is the date for Thai Air Asia to move to Don Muang. According to a recent tweet by Thai Air Asia CEO Tassapon.

[jacko 8,815]

So does this mean we are heading to a scenario of all domestic flights, except Thai and Bangkok Airways, will be from Don Muang?

 

Seems unfair competition wise if that is the case.

[tomcat76 327]

So does this mean we are heading to a scenario of all domestic flights, except Thai and Bangkok Airways, will be from Don Muang?

 

Seems unfair competition wise if that is the case.

 

 

I believe that's essentially it, with the add that "discount" int'l airlines will also be moving there. Direct shuttles every 15-30 mins between Suv & DM would sure go a long way to alleviating newfound inconvenience & expense to travelers having to make transfers (but not do much for taxi mafia morale I guess...).

Edited June 26, 2012 by tomcat76

[aussiechic 209]

AirAsia to Transfer Bangkok Flight Operations to Don Mueang Airport from October 1st, 2012

 

1.Why is AirAsia transferring its operations to Don Mueang Airport?

 

Suvarnabhumi Airport is currently the busiest airport in ASEAN which results in air traffic congestion especially during peak hours. We plan to increase our fleet to 48 Airbus A320s from the current 24, and the move to Don Mueang Airport will be able to comfortably accommodate this expansion as well as provide convenience to our guests given the closer proximity to Bangkok City Center.

 

2. When will AirAsia start operations in Don Mueang?

 

From 1 October 2012 onwards.

3. When will I receive my revised itinerary to reflect DMK airport code (Don Mueang) instead of BKK airport code?

 

For affected guests traveling from October 1 onwards, we will send you your revised itinerary at least one month prior to your departure date.

 

4. What assistance will AirAsia be providing for affected guests?

 

The following options are available:

(1) Schedule a new flight on the same route: Passengers may reschedule their flight on the same route to a flight taking place either 7 days before or after their original flight date at no additional cost.

(2) Credit Shell: The cost of the flight is converted into credit, which may be used within 90 days of issue.

 

Guests who purchased their flights before 26 June 2012, with travel dates from 1 October 2012 onwards will be contacted by our team via email, sms or by phone. Please ensure all your details are up to date in your AirAsia member profile.

 

If you have any urgent matters you may contact our call centres (Thai Call Center: +66 2 515 9999 Operating Hours: 8am-9pm GMT +7). For further inquiries you can:

- tweet us at Twitter: twitter.com/askairasia

- leave a comment here: www.facebook.com/airasiathailand OR www.facebook.com/airasia

- chat to us on Live Chat: http://chat3d.livechatinc.com/licence/1240461/open_chat.cgi?groups=0

- submit an Online Feedback Form: http://www.airasia.com/my/en/faqdetailsform.page

- contact our other call centers or walk in to our Travel Service Centers, details: http://www.airasia.com/my/en/contactus.page

 

Note: Guests may be required to show additional proof on how they have been affected by the airport change.

 

5. Will the transfer affect the schedule of guests who have already booked their flights?

 

Your flight schedule and times will not be affected. If you are traveling on or after 1 October 2012 the only change will be the airport codes. Your itinerary will be revised and resent to you to reflect new airport code for Don Mueang (DMK) instead of BKK for Bangkok.

 

Guests who have already made their bookings can continue to follow the timing of their original schedules.

 

6. What terminal will AirAsia be operating in? Where will I check-in?

 

All of AirAsia check-in services and administrative offices will be stationed at Don Mueang Airport Terminal 1.

 

7. How far is Suvarnabhumi from Don Mueang airport?

 

The distance between the two airports are approximately 45km but travel time varies from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions.

 

8. Will AirAsia be assisting guests in transferring between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports?

 

Shuttle busses for guests to transfer between the two airports have been arranged by Airports of Thailand Plc. (AoT). Refer to http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/56

 

for more information on Bus Number 554 from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport. This service is provided from the Suvarnabhumi Bus Terminal at the Transport Center.

 

9. How far is Don Mueang airport from Bangkok City Center?

 

It is about 30 km (19 miles) north of downtown Bangkok. The easiest way to get downtown is by taxi, but be mindful that the journey can take anything from 45 minutes (non-peak hour traffic during the week and weekends) and 1-2 hours (peak hour). A cheaper option is to take a train from Don Mueang Train Station. Tickets to Hualamphong Train Station in central Bangkok cost 5 baht. There are also a number of public transport buses going by the airport, just follow the signs out toward the train station. Buses towards central Bangkok are at the airport's side of the road, so don't cross the highway. For further detail you can refer to the following link: http://wikitravel.org/en/Bangkok#Don_Muang_Airport

 

10. Will all of Thai AirAsia’s flights operate from Don Mueang Airport?

 

All (FD, AK, QZ) flights will operate from Don Mueang Airport.

 

http://www.airasia.com/ask/rank.do?id=548&rank=5&action=rank#TemplateRanker

 

So will it 850 baht to Pattaya like it use to be.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

So will it 850 baht to Pattaya like it use to be.

 

For what?

[aussiechic 209]

Taxi

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Taxi? You can get the train for 36 Baht - a whole new experience for less than 80 pence.

[aussiechic 209]

Might look in to that! but it won't be until April next year our trip in September misses out on the change over.

[biggles 509]

"You can get the train for 36 Baht - a whole new experience for less than 80 pence. "

 

I dont think there are many trains to pattaya each day? Years ago from DM I used to get a taxi to Mo chit bus terminus and then a bus to pattaya north bus terminal. I Guess It will be back to that again, not worth dragging myself over to swampy to get the Bell bus...wonder if they will put on a service from DM?

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[Guest jamesfly]

'Not sure that someone who still considers in govt promises should be strolling around no cost without a owner, let alone operating an commercial airline.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

I noticed this in the Travel Daily News ... I'm not at all sure how it affects AirAsia et al.

 

"BANGKOK- Finance Minister Kittiratt Na Ranong announced on Wednesday to local media that Bangkok Don Muang airport – the ‘historical’ airport of the Thai capital- will reopen for commercial aviation on August 1st and not on October 1st as earlier planned. “After its opening, Don Mueang airport will become another important source of revenue for the country, in addition to Suvarnabhumi airport,” Mr Kittiratt said. Terminal 2, which was due to remain closed for an indefinite time after floods damaged heavily the building will then be able to welcome other low cost carriers as well as domestic flights."

[Siam Sam 964]

Even the old boy at work that always goes to Phuket told me about this. I flew with them to Surat Thani last time round, quality airline because if you book early on the flights are as little as £30 one way. Even the inconvenience of going through Don Muang would be worth it to save a few quid. Saying that, I have decided to go direct from U-Tapao to Samui over Christmas as I'm on a tight schedule.

Edited July 8, 2012 by Siam Sam

[Fireman Sam 336]

I noticed this in the Travel Daily News ... I'm not at all sure how it affects AirAsia et al.

 

"BANGKOK- Finance Minister Kittiratt Na Ranong announced on Wednesday to local media that Bangkok Don Muang airport – the ‘historical’ airport of the Thai capital- will reopen for commercial aviation on August 1st and not on October 1st as earlier planned. “After its opening, Don Mueang airport will become another important source of revenue for the country, in addition to Suvarnabhumi airport,” Mr Kittiratt said. Terminal 2, which was due to remain closed for an indefinite time after floods damaged heavily the building will then be able to welcome other low cost carriers as well as domestic flights."

 

Tom think that article relates to the re-furbishment of Terminal 1 after the flooding damage was repaired. Surely the airport has been open for commerical aviation since Nok re-located back there on March 1st approximately ? It certainly needs some serious cash spent on it to bring it up to a modern day standard.

 

Between the AOT of Thailand, the TAT and the various government departments that keep realising conflicting statements, would be surprised if anybody knows what is really going on or is actually planned. Here is one article from the nation and them another from the post.

 

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Unclear-airport-policy-taking-a-toll-30185754.html

 

 

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/301452/aot-pressed-to-speed-up-third-runway

 

Yingluck says that the construction of the third runway should be speeded-up and is now even talking about a fourth runway at swampy, where does that leave all the airlines that have agreed or will agree to move to Don Muang in a few years time, they couldn't couldn't organise the preverbal ??

 

Really hope it dosen't happen again, but imagined the chaos if Don Muang floods again this year ????

 

On a side note transited Swampy twice today with only slight delays with the one runway in operation.

 

Regards

 

 

Regards

[papadoc 66]

I just got a msg from Air Asia advising my flights now changed from Swampy to Don Muang OCT/NOV

[bigdelta 46]

I'm not taking a 2 suiter and a carry-on on the train between airports,no matter the fare.Anybody have an idea what the taxi fare will be and also the driving time,both rush hour and not?

[bigdelta 46]

Yes,when I looked for flights last night on the Air Asia site,there is a pop up advising of the switchover if you book from Oct 1 forward..What a PITA unless they actually run an express bus between the 2.I did see something resembling an express bus mentioned on the Swampy website.

 

 

 

I just got a msg from Air Asia advising my flights now changed from Swampy to Don Muang OCT/NOV

I just got a msg from Air Asia advising my flights now changed from Swampy to Don Muang OCT/NOV

[ozboy 31]

Yes,when I looked for flights last night on the Air Asia site,there is a pop up advising of the switchover if you book from Oct 1 forward..What a PITA unless they actually run an express bus between the 2.I did see something resembling an express bus mentioned on the Swampy website.

Air Asia themselves will not be running a shuttle bus as ALL their flights,both international and domestic will be at don Muang airport from Oct 1.

[Fireman Sam 336]

I'm not taking a 2 suiter and a carry-on on the train between airports,no matter the fare.Anybody have an idea what the taxi fare will be and also the driving time,both rush hour and not?

 

 

Taxi fare works out approximately 400 or so baht including toll road fees. Time taken without too much traffic approximately 40 minutes as a rough guide.

 

 

 

Regards

Edited August 4, 2012 by Fireman Sam