Illustrative image (Source: internet) Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - Thai Airways International (THAI)has started to fly out some 4,000 stranded passengers to European destinationswhose flights were canceled due to sudden closure of Pakistani airspace as aresult of the ongoing tension between Pakistan and India.
THAI Airways Director of Ground Operations Control Department,Teera Buasri, said the airline is working to accommodate passengers departingfrom Thailand whose flights were cancelled due to the airspace closure lastnight. The incident has caused many flights worldwide to divert or return toorigin airports in order to avoid flying over the airspace.
THAI later announced the cancellation of all flights to Pakistanand European destinations departing on February 27 night, affecting some 4,000passengers.
The national flag carrier has resumed operations to Europeandestinations today, using alternative routing overflying the Chinese airspaceto avoid affect area. Extra flights have been announced for Bangkok-Frankfurt,Bangkok-Paris, and Bangkok-London services to increase passenger capacity andallow all stranded passenger to travel within two to three days.
Teera said the airline has implemented industry standardmeasures to assist affected passengers, which involve special coordination withAirports of Thailand, the police, immigration bureau, and customs. About 800passengers were provided with an overnight accommodation.
The General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Wg. Cdr. SuthirawatSuwanawat, said the incident has caused cancellations of 16 arriving and 20departing flights from the airport.
He said the airport has deployed extra staff to assist affectedpassengers round the clock, and arranged special wait areas for affectedpassengers near Entrance 1 on the 4th floor, Entrance 1 on the 2nd floor, andEntrances 3 and 1 on the 1st floor of the passenger terminal.
The airport will also help affected departing passengers whosevisas have already expired to receive a temporary extension from theimmigration police.-NNT/VNA
VNA
