Bangkok

9 January 2014

Bangkok ‘shutdown’ to affect air travel

09 Thu, Jan 2014

An anti-government demonstration group has announced massive demonstrations in Bangkok on January 13, which are expected to affect air travel to the city.

Media reports have suggested that the protests will cause a shutdown of Bangkok on what is now being dubbed ‘Black Monday’. In an effort to overthrow the government, protestors are allegedly threatening to occupy Bangkok by cutting off power and water to state buildings and preventing officials from going to work.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has stated that the protests are expected to be peaceful and that it is monitoring the situation closely.
Marketing representative for Thai International Airways South Africa, Tom Liangman, says: “Anti-government protests in Thailand have had and will have a profound impact on flights.”
The airline is offering passengers a chance to change their reservation free of charge until January 31.
Singapore Airlines is implementing selected flight cancellations to Bangkok between January 14 and February 25, removing 19 flights from the Singapore-Bangkok route in total. GM for Central & Southern Africa for SQ, Alvin Seah, says this is to match capacity to demand. “Affected customers have been informed via email/sms and will be re-accommodated on other flights or provided refunds,” he adds.
Media reports have claimed that other airlines, such as Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines, will be reducing flights due to the political unrest in the country.

TAT says: “Should the massive demonstrations on January 13 occur, a special lane will be provided for tourist buses and vehicles alongside a number of measures to assist and facilitate tourists.”