Mr Kerati Kijmanawat, President of Airports of Thailand (SET: AOT) expected Thailand to see an increase in foreign arrivals during this year’s Songkran Festival between April 11 to 17.
The president of AOT projected that the passenger at Don Mueang International Airport is expected to reach 701,636, with an average of 100,234 per day, a 10.8% increase YoY. The international passengers is expected to increase by 6.9% YoY to 282,490, while the domestic passengers is speculated to increase by 13.5% YoY to 419,146.
As for the flight count, the figure is speculated to reach 4,391, with an average of 627 flights per day. This count increased from last year’s record by 3.1%, with this year’s domestic flight expected to reach 2,705, a 7.3% increase YoY. AOT anticipated that people will begin their holiday or hometown trip on April 11 more than any other dates, reflecting the increase of domestic traveling’s demand.
The highest congestion period for the international flight will be between 04:00 to 05:00, 12:00 to 13:00, 15:00 to 16:00, and 20:00 to 21:00. As for the domestic flight, it is between 07:00 to 08:00 and 20:00 to 21:00.
The government’s stimulus for tourism and aviation industries has increased the demand for holiday and hometown trips. As a result, Don Mueang airport now requests the assistance from the passenger to arrive at the airport ahead of departure time by two to three hours to prevent missed flights.
Currently, the airport is utilizing biometric technology and common use passenger processing system (CUPPS), such as common use self service system (CUSS) and common use bag drop (CUBD), for customer service. Moreover, there is also an applied of airport collaborative decision making system (A-CDM) so the airport, the airline, ground staff, and air traffic controller can utilize data effectively, and “SAWASDEE by AOT” application to assist passenger and tourist in making a preparation, traveling, and examining all type of service.
Don Mueang airport also provides a vehicle parking area free of charge during this year’s Songkran Festival, starting from 00:01 of April 12 to 00:00 of April 16, in front of the 5-storey car park building. There is also a shuttle service, providing pick-up and drop-off service from the 5-storey car park building to the International Terminal 1 Gate 6, round the clock.
