BANGKOK, Thailand – The latest incident involving an Emirates A380 has raised fresh questions about runway and taxiway conditions at Suvarnabhumi Airport, following several reported aircraft ground incidents in October. An Emirates A380 reportedly encountered a section of subsided pavement near the threshold of runway 02R on the night of November 2. The location was close to an area where a China Airlines aircraft experienced a wheel-related incident on October 28. Resolving the latest problem took more than an hour and delayed the flight, while other aircraft were redirected to nearby taxiways.
The incidents have prompted questions about how frequently aircraft are encountering surface problems at the airport. Posts shared on social media have also alleged three separate incidents involving China Airlines aircraft in October: on October 8, 26 and 28. The reports describe difficulties involving aircraft wheels while taxiing, although the details have not been independently confirmed.
Airports of Thailand (AOT), which operates Suvarnabhumi, has scheduled urgent repair work beginning at 7pm on November 3. The central runway, 02R/20L, will close until 8am on November 4, a period of 13 hours.
The work will cover a 15-by-100-metre section of the runway, with the damaged surface removed to a depth of 33 centimeters. Taxiway E21 will also undergo repairs across a 10-by-45-metre area to the same depth, while taxiway E19 will be inspected to assess its structural strength. During the runway closure, the airport will continue operating its two other runways. Aircraft will be able to use taxiways E3 and E17 to reach the western runway, 02L/20R. AOT said it had coordinated with relevant agencies and that Aeronautical Radio of Thailand confirmed air traffic could be managed using the remaining runways.
The central runway is scheduled to reopen at 8am on November 4. Taxiway E21, however, will remain closed until 8am on November 6 to allow the repaired surface to gain sufficient strength. Aircraft will be able to use nearby taxiway E19 as an alternative. AOT said it would also prepare a longer-term maintenance plan to address the condition and structural strength of runway and taxiway surfaces. (Story, Photos: MGR Online)
