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Airlines admit big losses as PAD protesters shut down airports

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Airlines admit big losses as PAD protesters shut down airports

Airport and airline managers announced last Saturday that the anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) besieging of airports in the tourist-oriented resort provinces had caused severe loss to their businesses.
The air transport officials urged the protesters not to bring such problems to the airline business as they attempt to overthrow the government.
Airports of Thailand (AoT) acting president Serirat Prasutanond said such raids directly affected tourism in Thailand, and asked the PAD not to focus on the airline business as a means to demand the prime minister’s resignation.
He added that such disruption would dry up income from the tourism sector and tarnish the country’s image internationally.
Thai Airways International (THAI) president Apinan Sumanaseni said the closure of the airports had forced the airline to refund passengers their airfares. “It’s for the AoT to decide when the airports will be opened, but THAI is ready to take off,” said Apinan.
THAI union leader Jamsri Sukchote-rat had earlier said in a statement that 15,000 THAI employees would participate in the PAD protests, but Apinan said the number of those taking leave would not be as many.
The figure the union leader mentioned was the total number of THAI union members, said Apinan. “The action was the union leader’s stance. However, as an airline, we still operate as normal,” said the THAI president.
Thai AirAsia chief executive officer Tassapon Bijleveld said the closure put a halt to the airline’s flights to Phuket and Krabi. “Our staff called the passengers to inform them about the cancellations on Friday night.
“Most passengers were understanding that our situation that was beyond our control,” said Tassapon. “If passengers wish to reschedule their flights, they may do so without additional charges. For those who would like to cancel their flights, they would get a full refund.” (TNA)
 

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