BANGKOK: Flights operated by five airlines were delayed after the main landing gear of a China Airlines aircraft sank into the runway surface at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat said.
Temporary repairs have been completed and no further delays linked to the incident have been reported. However, experts are still investigating the subsidence and assessing whether more extensive repairs are needed.
The China Airlines aircraft was operating on the Suvarnabhumi-Kaohsiung route. China Airlines, Thai Airways and Vietjet were among the five carriers whose flights were delayed.
Siripong cited a progress report issued at 9.19pm confirming that the last aircraft had been moved out of the affected area.
Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd (AEROTHAI) coordinated with Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) to manage flight movements and alternate runway use as appropriate, helping resolve the disruption.
No additional delays attributable to the incident were reported beyond those affecting the five airlines.
Officials must now determine the condition of the affected area, whether major repairs are necessary and how long any additional work would take.
“Temporary repairs to the area have been completed, but we still need to assess its condition and consider whether major repairs are necessary and how long they would take,” Siripong said.
“The relevant agencies have been asked to examine the technical details and determine how to proceed, so that repairs and improvements do not cause excessive disruption to passengers.”
The agencies responsible are holding discussions to assess the cause of the subsidence and develop broader preventive measures.
Siripong explained that several factors could be involved, requiring a comprehensive engineering assessment of conditions at the site and other relevant information.
As the incident occurred after flooding, officials also need to examine whether any flood-related factors contributed. The review will consider the maintenance of systems and infrastructure more broadly.
Siripong stressed that experts’ findings were needed to establish the actual cause and determine measures to prevent a recurrence. - The Nation/ ANN
