The opening of the airport was previously delayed from last September to June.

As the new opening date nears, top executives of major airlines have expressed concern over a possible further delay, but say it was more important that the airport be fully ready before it opens.

Choon Seng Chew, chief executive officer of Singapore Airlines, said the airport should complete all facilities before opening, not just the buildings and major infrastructure projects.

The new airport should also include a transport link with Bangkok, he said.

Chew said the government should complete all trials instead of attempting to operate before everything is ready.

"I have no problem with the specific timing of the opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, the most important thing is that it should be ready," Chew added.

Though the government has confirmed that Bangkok's second airport would open in June as scheduled, there has been much speculation that the opening will be postponed by about six months as the airport needs some finishing touches and testing of all electronic systems. However, Chew said his airline would not be troubled by the delay.

CB Park, CEO of Asiana Airlines, considers the new airport to be key to Thailand becoming an aviation hub.

"Thailand will get considerable benefit from the opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport because it connects to all major cities around the Asian continent," he said. He also noted that it was a big move for Thailand as the country has been waiting for the new airport for more than 40 years.

If Thailand could open the new airport this year, Park expected that more Western travellers would come to Asian countries.

Airline operators have been waiting for the opening, but they see no great disadvantage in a long wait.

Andrew Nocella, senior vice president for planning at US Airways, said that a delay at Suvarnnabhumi would not have much effect on the travel industry.

There was a similar case with a delay at Denver Airport in the United States some years ago.

Christian Klick, vice president at the operations office of Star Alliance, the world's largest airline network, said a delay was acceptable.

The government should work more closely on the development as well as try to solve all problems as the airport is important for Thailand to become a hub of aviation, he said.

"There are many newly opened or expanded airports in Asian countries, including Malaysia and Singapore. Those two countries opened their airports on schedule," said Klick.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation