Thailand’s Airports of Thailand (AOT) has confirmed that operations at six major airports have returned to normal following the earthquake that struck the Thai capital on Friday. After conducting thorough safety inspections, AOT stated that all facilities and infrastructure have been deemed safe for public use.
Operations Back on Track at Key Airports
The airports that underwent structural integrity assessments include:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)
- Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok)
- Chiang Mai International Airport
- Hat Yai International Airport
- Chiang Rai International Airport
- Phuket International Airport
In a statement on Saturday, AOT assured the public that all aviation infrastructure at these airports fully complies with safety standards. The organization confirmed that no significant damage or operational disruptions were reported, allowing regular flight schedules to resume.
Safety Inspections Confirm Structural Integrity
Following the earthquake, AOT conducted detailed inspections to assess the structural stability of airport buildings, runways, and related infrastructure. The evaluation confirmed that the buildings and facilities remained structurally sound, with no signs of cracks or damage that could compromise safety.
AOT emphasized that aviation operations were briefly paused during the inspections but swiftly resumed once safety clearances were obtained. Airport management teams collaborated with civil engineers and safety experts to verify that all terminals, boarding areas, and passenger facilities were safe for use.
Impact on Flights and Passenger Safety
Despite the earthquake tremors, AOT confirmed that flight schedules were largely unaffected. Passengers experienced minimal delays as airlines and airport staff worked efficiently to ensure smooth operations. No injuries or major incidents were reported during the event.
Airlines operating from the affected airports reassured travelers that they would offer flexible rebooking and cancellation policies for those impacted by the earthquake.
Precautionary Measures in Place
In response to the incident, AOT stated that it has enhanced monitoring systems at all major airports to detect seismic activity more effectively. The organization is also conducting routine safety drills to ensure that staff and passengers are prepared for any future natural disasters.
Passengers traveling through Thailand’s airports have been advised to stay informed about potential aftershocks and adhere to safety guidelines issued by airport authorities.
Tourism and Travel Sector Remains Steady
The earthquake caused brief disruptions in Bangkok and surrounding areas, but the quick resumption of airport operations has eased concerns for travelers. Tourism industry experts noted that the incident is unlikely to impact travel demand, as the country continues to attract a steady flow of international visitors.
Industry analysts praised AOT’s swift response and proactive safety inspections, highlighting the resilience of Thailand’s aviation sector.
AOT’s Commitment to Passenger Safety
AOT reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining world-class safety standards at all its airports. The organization emphasized that it will continue working with relevant authorities to enhance earthquake preparedness and emergency response protocols.
Passengers with upcoming flights are encouraged to check with their airlines for any schedule updates, although AOT anticipates normal operations moving forward.
Conclusion
With airport operations back to normal and safety protocols thoroughly verified, Thailand’s aviation sector is once again running smoothly. The swift response by AOT and airport authorities has ensured the safety and confidence of travelers, allowing the country’s tourism industry to continue without disruption.
