28 November 2008

CRISIS IN BANGKOK: Cathay joins Thailand air lift

Cathay Pacific is to run flights today and tomorrow to help passengers and crew left stranded by the closure of Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.

More flights may be mounted over the weekend if there is still a need, the airline said.

The first flight left Hong Kong today (Friday) to pick up passengers from Utapao Airport near Pattaya, about a two-hour drive from Bangkok. The flight will be operated by a Boeing 777-300.

Priority for the first flight back to Hong Kong will be given to the airlineÃ¢â¬â¢s operating crew and staff, and holders of Cathay Pacific tickets from Bangkok to Hong Kong.

The flight will also accept non-Cathay Pacific ticketholders if space is available, though they will be required to pay for their ticket in cash, the airline said.

The second flight will operate tomorrow also be operated by a Boeing 777-300.

Hotlines in Thailand have been set up for passengers wishing to take the flights to Hong Kong are as follows:

Ã~· 02 2630623
Ã~· 02 2630644
Ã~· 02 2630664

Etihad is also running a flight today for passengers stranded by the Bangkok airports siege (see previous TravelMole story).

by Phil Davies