Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) has closed the eastern runway of the main Suvarnabhumi International Airport for two days, after it was damaged by a landing plane of Thai Airways International (THAI), the national flag carrier, which slipped off it at the night of Sept 8, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.
AOT Board Chairman Sita Divari told journalists on Monday that he discussed the incident of the Airbus A330-300 plane from Guangzhou to Bangkok, with the Department of Civil Aviation and THAI and decided that the eastern runway of the Suvarnabhumi Airport needs to be closed for about 48 hours for the removal of the damaged plane and runway repair.
According to the AOT board chair, planes which are smaller than Boeing 737 aircraft can still use the affected runway for takeoffs.
The AOT board chair announced that the removal of the troubled plane and the repair of the 300-meter-long damaged section of the runway were set to be finished by noon on September 11, and that, during the runway closure, Don Mueang and U-Tapao airports will become backup facilities for airplanes which cannot wait.
Apinan Wannangkun, Vice President of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co (AEROTHAI), acknowledged, meanwhile, that the accident delayed 99 visiting planes, each of which had to circle for about 15 minutes to wait for their turns and it also delayed 106 departing planes for about half an hour on average, recommending that all airlines reserve fuel for the delay.
Apinan noted that U-Tapao Airport could serve 40 planes an hour, while AOT and AEROTHAI direct planes of the same sizes, including Airbus 320, Boeing 737 and ATR, to use the remaining 2,000-meter-long section of the eastern runway for takeoffs to relieve congestion.
Bernama
Tue Sep 10 2013
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.