Airports of Thailand has reported 32,991 early flight cancellations and suspensions from 24 January to 28 March.

Airports of Thailand PLC has emphasised the gravity of the Covid-19 pandemic in a written performance report distributed to the President of the Thai Stock Exchange.

According to the letter, penned by Shanalai Chayakul, Senior Executive Vice President, Legal/Secretary, Airports of Thailand, which was seen by TRBusiness, the exponential growth of Covid-19 in different countries has ‘adversely affected’ the country’s tourism industry. The spread of Covid-19 has also significantly decreased the number of flight and passengers across the six airports in the company’s portfolio.

The letter itself, which references data collected on 3 March 2020, reveals 32,991 early flight cancellations and suspensions from 24 January to 28 March. This breaks down into 26,648 international flights and 6,343 domestic flights.

SIGNIFICANT REVENUE DROP

Chayakul said: “It has been expected that Airport of Thailand’s aeronautical revenues in terms of landing charges and passenger service charges will drop by 20.69% and 32.94%, respectively. In other words, revenue from February – March 2020 will decline by around 30%, compared to the same period the previous year.

“However, this still does not include the impacts from a decrease in non-aeronautical revenues and assistance measures for airlines and operators. Any significant progress will be further updated.”

Airports of Thailand currently manages Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang International (DMK), Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), Hat Yai International Airport (HDY), Phuket International Airport (HKT) and Mae Fah Luag-Chaing Rai International Airport (CEI).

Long-term incumbent, King Power International secured the duty free concession at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport last year. 

As reported, King Power International secured the new duty free contract at BKK last year, where it will also run the duty free pick-up counters. In addition, it  gained the concessions at  three other regional airports (HKT, HDY and CNX) in 2019.

Last month, Airports of Thailand joined several Asian airports in revealing a package of assistance measures to dampen the impact felt by operators due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak and associated fall in tourist numbers.

Currently, all passengers other than Thai nationals wishing to enter the country must have have a Health Certificate and results of a Covid-19 Laboratory Test, proving they are free from the virus. The Health Certificate and Lab Test must be valid for no more than 72 hours prior to departure.