Published on September 12, 2006 - Travellers are concerned about getting to the new airport on time, but the AOT says don’t worry

Time is ticking away for a tired-looking Bangkok International Airport at Don Muang. The hour has almost arrived for the brand-new Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Worries and rumours are flying ahead of the world’s major airlines starting to jet into its new runways.

Travellers worry how they will reach the new airport without missing flights.

Tucked away in the vast stretches to Bangkok’s east, the new airport carves out a giant letter “H” stretching from north to south. Two vertical legs of the “H” are the long dual runways, with the passenger terminal between them.

Just six kilometres from the passenger terminal is the public transport centre.

According to Sombat Khoonprasert, an Airports of Thailand (AOT) vice president, the centre is the heart for transport heading to and from the new airport.

It covers 42,000 square metres. It is located adjacent to the facilities of Bangkok Catering and LSG Sky Chefs.

The centre provides access for taxis, limousines and rented cars.

“The centre works as a hub bridging the terminal with the outside,” said Sombat. “It’s a one-stop service for both departure and arrival passengers who travel in and out of Suvarnabhumi.”

On departure, the public bus running from the city will drop off departing passengers at the public transport centre. The passengers will then take a shuttle bus into the passenger terminal.

“Shuttle buses leave every few minutes from the centre to the terminal and it’s free,” said Sombat.

“On arrival, you can take the shuttle from the terminal to the transport centre for taxis, public buses or rental cars.”

More than 2,000 trained taxi drivers and 100 private limousines, varying from brand-new Mercedes Benzes to Japanese sedans will be standing by for passengers.

According to AOT, lessons have been learned from the chaos of Don Muang.

Vehicles allowed into the terminal will be closely restricted.

“We learnt a big mistake from Don Muang by letting all sort of vehicles, from taxis to limousines into the terminal,” said Sombat. “In the end, driving lanes were occupied by parked cars. In trying not to repeat the same old problems, we’ve kept access for as many vehicles as possible.”

Private cars will have not problem accessing the terminal. Drivers can drop off passengers at the fourth floor, and arriving passengers can be picked up at the second floor.

Suvarnabhumi can be reached from five different directions.

If you approach the airport from downtown Bangkok – say Victory Monument – the northern route via the Bangkok-Chon Buri highway is the shortest – if not the busiest – route.

On light-traffic days, this eight-lane road can get you to the airport in about 30 minutes.

From the northwest is a six-lane link to the elevated Rom Khlao Road and King Kaew flyover, while from the north-east is a four-lane road connecting to Soi Onnuj.

From the south, the passenger terminal is reached via the Bang Na-Trat highway and a service road that passes the long-term parking area and the public transport centre before reaching the terminal.

“Some are starting to miss Don Muang already when they think of the hassle getting to the new airport,” said Sombat. “It may not be traffic congestion that’s worrying them but the greater distance.

“In fact, with five routes, it’s much easier to reach Suvarnabhumi than Don Muang.”

Phoowadon Duangmee
The Nation