Suvarnabhumi airport reaffirms readiness to turn away floods

The Airports of Thailand (AoT) says Suvarnabhumi Airport will not be affected by the northern run off with the 3.5-meter-tall dyke surrounding the airport and the situation being monitored 24 hours.

In his 2nd press conference since the flood situation, Acting AoT President Mr. Somchai Sawasdeepon said Suvarnbhumi Airport has already had an effective flood prevention plan in place and there is no need for public concerns. The water levels around the airport have been constantly monitored and the current height has decreased to 43 centimeters due to the airport’s effective draining system.

The AoT has coordinated with the Department of Highways and the Department of Rural Roads in increasing the height of the 23.5 kilometer earthen dyke surrounding the airport, and increasing the capacity of nearby canals in Lat Krabang district which will be useful in releasing the torrent to the Chao Phraya. The dyke will be constantly watched and will be reinforced to maintain its strength.

With 8 water pumps, the airport is able to drain as much as 1 million cubic meters of water per day. The Department of Royal Irrigation has provided support to the AoT in keeping the 24 hours surveillance on the water level around the airport compound.

The AoT has also been checking the daily weather forecast with the Meteorological Department to make sure the situation is under control. Mr. Somchai is confident that the airport will be safe from flooding. Moreover, no flights have been canceled and that the number of passengers arriving to Suvarnabhumi Airport has remained the same.