3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
BANGKOK: -- Three large provincial Thai airports face problems after it was revealed that they may not meet international standards for security.
If the airports fail a mid year inspection by international aviation authorities they could be closed to international travel both incoming and outgoing.
The airports concerned are Krabi, Udon Thani and Surat Thani.
The Universal Security Audit Program is due to inspect 11 Thai airports in June and July of this year. USAP monitors member state's security performance, reports Thairath.
Without their rubber stamp international flights cannot land or depart from an airport.
Thai government officials are concerned that the installation of new X-ray machines to detect weapons at the three airports will not be fully operational. They said the machines will only be fully functional by October.
Somsak Hommuang of the communications ministry has ordered the creation of a committee to oversee the airports' efforts to comply with international regulations.
Thai Rath reported that the Thai Airport Authority that oversees all 11 airports due to be inspected were "ready but concerned".
The airports concerned may have to prove their systems will be in place without them actually being ready at the time of the mid year inspection.
If the airports fail a mid year inspection by international aviation authorities they could be closed to international travel both incoming and outgoing.
The airports concerned are Krabi, Udon Thani and Surat Thani.
The Universal Security Audit Program is due to inspect 11 Thai airports in June and July of this year. USAP monitors member state's security performance, reports Thairath.
Without their rubber stamp international flights cannot land or depart from an airport.
Thai government officials are concerned that the installation of new X-ray machines to detect weapons at the three airports will not be fully operational. They said the machines will only be fully functional by October.
Somsak Hommuang of the communications ministry has ordered the creation of a committee to oversee the airports' efforts to comply with international regulations.
Thai Rath reported that the Thai Airport Authority that oversees all 11 airports due to be inspected were "ready but concerned".
The airports concerned may have to prove their systems will be in place without them actually being ready at the time of the mid year inspection.
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
i assume there wont be any knock on effect for domestic flights if they fail the Int'l inspections?
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
As Udon is International in name only (i.e. no International flights touch down there) I am wondering why the IAA would want to do inspections there at all..
Edit
Unless you can book baggage through to International destinations from Udon??
I seem to remember that you could do that with Bangkok Airlines, but they no longer fly from Udon either...
I guess that I might see when I go to Penang via Air Asia at the end of the month...
Edit
Unless you can book baggage through to International destinations from Udon??
I seem to remember that you could do that with Bangkok Airlines, but they no longer fly from Udon either...
I guess that I might see when I go to Penang via Air Asia at the end of the month...
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
A couple of years ago youcould clear passport control so you could just transfer to Int'l flights at Suvanabhumi -which was fantastically convenient and saved at least an hour of queing etc at Suvanabhumi
Hopefully if the pass the inspection they may bring back that service
Hopefully if the pass the inspection they may bring back that service
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
Bob,You said this....As Udon is International in name only (i.e. no International flights touch down there) I am wondering why the IAA would want to do inspections there at all.......Well Bob,I'm afraid you got that wrong, There is a flight 8K254 Arrives from Hanoi @ 2140hrs & Then Departs 8K255 @ 2210 to Hong Kong I Think it's an Inclusive Tour Package Flight,Arrives & Departs Most Evenings...
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
Ah yes, I had missed that..
However - K-Mile Air are a cargo company, not passenger.
I can't see that lack of passenger luggage controls has anything to do with air cargo...
However - K-Mile Air are a cargo company, not passenger.
I can't see that lack of passenger luggage controls has anything to do with air cargo...
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
IATA code 8K is assigned to K-Mile Air, a cargo carrier based at BKK. Its fleet consists of two Boeing 734s. There is one route which includes Udon, flying five days per week BKK-HAN-UTH-HKG-BKK. It is scheduled to arrive in Udon at 9:40 p.m. and leave at 10:10 p.m. on the days it flies here. Cargo only, no passengers, as you can see clearly in the photos of the aircraft.
As sometimes happens, IATA code 8K is also assigned to Evasair, based at Gander, Newfoundland (YQX). It's primarily a charter company, but does operate some commuter/express scheduled passenger services through affiliation with Air Canada.
As sometimes happens, IATA code 8K is also assigned to Evasair, based at Gander, Newfoundland (YQX). It's primarily a charter company, but does operate some commuter/express scheduled passenger services through affiliation with Air Canada.
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
Any air asia flight connecting to their international flights are also classed as international flight you clear customs and immigration in Udon baggage is sent straight thru
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
Thanks for that noosard..
Do you know what happens in DM though.
Is their an 'intransit area' that you can go to after leaving the plane from Udon??
Also does it apply in 'reverse', i.e. landing in DM from abroad & wanting to proceed directly to Udon??
Or is it all 'customs' based, rather than 'immigration' - although even that is a help...
Do you know what happens in DM though.
Is their an 'intransit area' that you can go to after leaving the plane from Udon??
Also does it apply in 'reverse', i.e. landing in DM from abroad & wanting to proceed directly to Udon??
Or is it all 'customs' based, rather than 'immigration' - although even that is a help...
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
According to the k-mile.com website (might be dated), there are two flights.....Hanoi to Udon days 1,2,3,4,6 and Udon to Hong Kong also on days 1,2,3,4,6
I don't know if that helps qualify the airport as "international" but in any case, it's just a matter of time before international passenger flights do begin. I read on one of the Thai webboards of plans by Thai Smile to up the ante from Udon by 3 more flights.....but no specifics were given. That'd put the daily load close to 30. Thirty flights!!
Times sure have changed in Udon
I don't know if that helps qualify the airport as "international" but in any case, it's just a matter of time before international passenger flights do begin. I read on one of the Thai webboards of plans by Thai Smile to up the ante from Udon by 3 more flights.....but no specifics were given. That'd put the daily load close to 30. Thirty flights!!
Times sure have changed in Udon
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
According to their Flight Information Boards.....Today ( THURSDAY ) There are 33 Arrivals & 35 Departures IN & OUT Of UTH...
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
According to glass door at airport, International departures is open about 9AM and again 11 AM. Same time they come from Immigration to make passport checks etc. Flights are above mentioned.parrot wrote:According to the k-mile.com website (might be dated), there are two flights.....Hanoi to Udon days 1,2,3,4,6 and Udon to Hong Kong also on days 1,2,3,4,6
I don't know if that helps qualify the airport as "international" but in any case, it's just a matter of time before international passenger flights do begin. I read on one of the Thai webboards of plans by Thai Smile to up the ante from Udon by 3 more flights.....but no specifics were given. That'd put the daily load close to 30. Thirty flights!!
Times sure have changed in Udon
They have 2-3 rows above wings and it means about 20 seats. I have seen several times 3-10 person going to screening and either to Hanoi or Hong Kong. Next time I should talk to one passenger and ask from where they get tickets.
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Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
Thai Smile has never allowed me to check my baggage in for ongoing connecting TG flights in swampy.
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
That's the same plane. It changes flight numbers here.parrot wrote:According to the k-mile.com website (might be dated), there are two flights.....Hanoi to Udon days 1,2,3,4,6 and Udon to Hong Kong also on days 1,2,3,4,6
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
Thai Smile is an annoying company. They are not part of the Star Alliance, and so they do not recognize your Star Alliance gold card... they used to do, but fair enough.wazza wrote:Thai Smile has never allowed me to check my baggage in for ongoing connecting TG flights in swampy.
Now, if you go online and buy the ticket as a domestic Thai Airways, they still don't recognize the Star Alliance gold card. I have tried to get an explanation why, from both the Thai Airways booth in Udon, the Thai smile boot also in Udon, as well as both companies customer services in Suvarnabhumi... but nobody can tell me why, other than "can not, sorry mister" At the customer service in Bangkok I even showed up with my printed ticket saying Thai Airways, but still no luck... it's damn annoying!
Anyway, I still use them, as I always have a connecting flight out of Suvarnabhumi.
Sorry for sidetracking the topic...
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
This might be of interest to you,Bob.......from Air Asias website.
What happens to my baggage if I have an onward flight with AirAsia?
AirAsia operates on a point-to-point basis, or a per sector basis.
This means onward flights are considered as separate journeys, or separate sectors. Therefore, you need to claim your baggage from your first sector flight and re-check them in for the subsequent flight. You will have to go through immigration check (if arriving from an international sector) and must check in again at the check-in counter to obtain your boarding pass. In this context, AirAsia will not be held responsible for the consequence of any delays experienced while flying AirAsia.
If you have purchased a "Fly-Thru" flight then your baggage will be checked in all the way through to the final destination during checkin for the 1st leg of your flight and you should proceed to the transfer counter upon arrival at the transit station. Example Bali - Kuala Lumpur - Gatwick, Bali will be the 1st leg, Kuala Lumpur will be the transitting station and Gatwick will be the final destination. This only applies if you have purchased a "Fly-Thru" service. Otherwise, what is stated in paragraph above applies.
What happens to my baggage if I have an onward flight with AirAsia?
AirAsia operates on a point-to-point basis, or a per sector basis.
This means onward flights are considered as separate journeys, or separate sectors. Therefore, you need to claim your baggage from your first sector flight and re-check them in for the subsequent flight. You will have to go through immigration check (if arriving from an international sector) and must check in again at the check-in counter to obtain your boarding pass. In this context, AirAsia will not be held responsible for the consequence of any delays experienced while flying AirAsia.
If you have purchased a "Fly-Thru" flight then your baggage will be checked in all the way through to the final destination during checkin for the 1st leg of your flight and you should proceed to the transfer counter upon arrival at the transit station. Example Bali - Kuala Lumpur - Gatwick, Bali will be the 1st leg, Kuala Lumpur will be the transitting station and Gatwick will be the final destination. This only applies if you have purchased a "Fly-Thru" service. Otherwise, what is stated in paragraph above applies.
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Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
Thanks Zid,
I can't remember any mention of 'fly-thru' or that option when I booked the ticket.
The e-mail confirmation heading is 'Udon Thani ✈ Penang - Travel Itinerary' but it lists
the flights separately.
I guess I will find out when I go to fly.
It would certainly be a great deal more convenient to do both customs & immigration at Udon than DM. Somehow I just cannot see that happening though..
Will report back on my experience in early February..If I manage to get back that is,,
I can't remember any mention of 'fly-thru' or that option when I booked the ticket.
The e-mail confirmation heading is 'Udon Thani ✈ Penang - Travel Itinerary' but it lists
the flights separately.
I guess I will find out when I go to fly.
It would certainly be a great deal more convenient to do both customs & immigration at Udon than DM. Somehow I just cannot see that happening though..
Will report back on my experience in early February..If I manage to get back that is,,
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
I flew with air asia to Singapore from Udon Udon clear customs and immigration Don Muaeng get escorted by staff to international departure area
Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
Thanks for that noosard, useful information..
Was that done automatically in Udon, or did you have to request it somehow??
Did you do the return leg &, if so, what happened then??
Was that done automatically in Udon, or did you have to request it somehow??
Did you do the return leg &, if so, what happened then??
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Re: 3 Thai Airports Under Threat of BEING closed to International Flights
Thai Smile has never allowed me to check my baggage in for ongoing connecting TG flights in swampy.
Yes, but only if both flights are on the same ticket.Any air asia flight connecting to their international flights are also classed as international flight you clear customs and immigration in Udon baggage is sent straight thru
There is an international transit section in DMK
Do you know what happens in DM though.
Is their an 'intransit area' that you can go to after leaving the plane from Udon??
Also does it apply in 'reverse', i.e. landing in DM from abroad & wanting to proceed directly to Udon??
Certainly on AirAsia if you have separate tickets then each ticket is separately classed. So only if you have a single ticket can you check in and clear immigration for your international flight at a local airport in Thailand.
So unless your ThaiSmile and ThaiAir flights are on the same ticket I would not be surprised if they have the same policy.
I have not used the chance to ticket directly from Japan to Udon or Khon Kaen because the ticket price has always be quite a bit higher than 2 separate tickets.
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In my posts all fees and requirements are the standard R&R but TIT and a brown envelope can make incredible changes YMMV.
In my posts all fees and requirements are the standard R&R but TIT and a brown envelope can make incredible changes YMMV.