AOT may waive fees

Chairman Vudhibhandhu Vichairatana yesterday said the board recently approved the measures to help airlines affected by the closure of Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang airports from November 26 to December 5.

The company has formulated both short- and long-term assistance measures.

For the short term, AOT proposes waiving landing and airport fees for the 10 days of the protest period. The company will soon propose this measure to the Transport Ministry for approval.

The board also proposed waiving rents and other remuneration for the operator of the commercial area, with the operator expected to pass on the saving to its shop clients renting space there.

AOT will also extend the payment period for rent and other remuneration for November and December by 60 days without fines.

The rent and fee waivers and extended payment periods will also include Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket and Chiang Rai airports, as they were also hurt by the closure of the Bangkok airports, said Vudhibhandhu.

He said AOT would study the declining traffic statistics before implementing long-term assistance to help airlines.

Vudhibhandhu said AOT had already formulated a series of action plans for potential emergency situations in the six airports under its responsibility. The plans are in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and have been approved by the Civil Aviation Department. AOT has proposed the plans to relevant organisations.

The plans cover 13 emergency situations, including accidents, bomb threats and explosions, fire and natural disasters.