Don Mueang Airport prepares for Songkran holiday travel spike

Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport gears up for an influx of approximately 625,000 passengers during the Songkran holiday period, which runs from April 11 to 17. It expects over 4,000 flights, marking a substantial 10.58% rise from the previous year’s data.

Don Mueang Airport General Manager Wichit Kaewsaitiam attributed this surge to the government’s strategic policies aimed at bolstering domestic spending and tourism. From April 11 to 17, the airport anticipates around 4,117 flights, equating to nearly 590 flights each day. The breakdown includes 2,432 domestic and the remainder as international flights.

The anticipated 625,530 passengers for the holiday week translates to roughly 89,362 arrivals each day. Out of these, approximately 369,222 are domestic bookings, while the remainder are international travellers.

In preparation for the holiday rush, the airport has implemented several enhancements to streamline passenger experience and safety. These upgrades include a common-use self-service (CUSS) check-in counter, a common-use bag drop system, a novel passenger validation system (PVS), and self-boarding gates. Additionally, facilities for passengers with special needs have been improved to provide a comfortable travel experience.

For security reinforcement, the airport will deploy joint patrol teams comprising airport security guards, Air Force and police officers, along with dog-handling teams. These teams will utilise a real-time passenger tracking system for efficient surveillance.

Passengers arriving at the airport have the convenience of booking onward transfers via online platforms like Grab and Cabb or through dedicated transport counters at the airport. Furthermore, travellers can use the SRT’s Red Line and feeder buses to connect to the city’s electric train route.

The airport’s two parking facilities have a combined capacity to accommodate 3,508 cars. To ensure smooth transit, shuttle buses will operate between the car parks and terminals every 15 minutes, round the clock during the holiday period, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, Passenger service charges (PSC) at six major Thai airports have seen an increase, as announced by the Airports of Thailand Plc. The charges, applicable on both domestic and international departing flights, have been raised at Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Don Mueang, Hat Yai, Phuket and Suvarnabhumi airports.