Bangkok link popular

Press, 29 June 1988, Page 9 (Supplement)

Bangkok link popular

New Zealand could be served soon by two direct flights a week between Auckland and Bangkok. Thai Airways International, which pioneered the route last year, has found its passenger loads so encouraging that it is already planning a second service. The start of the airline’s non-stop link coincided with the opening of Bangkok’s fine new international airport. Costing more than $3OO million, it is being hailed as the best in Asia — even superior, they say, to Singapore’s Changi.

In fact, several international airlines (including Qantas), have announced they will be diverting some of the services that now pass through Singapore to the less congested airport at Bangkok.

Travellers who in the past had no choice but to sweat out their wait for flights in the old terminal, are in for a pleasant surprise. Twenty-six airbridges have, for instance, eliminated the need for bussing between the terminal and aircraft.

Those tiring long delays at checkin and customs are also a thing of the past. Arriving passengers now are confronted by a bank of 70 immigration desks and four Customs channels for speedy clearances. Departing passengers are also well catered for with 76 check-in counters (four set aside specifically for group tours), and spacious air-conditioned gate lounges.

The terminal, of course, has many other facilities including shops, restaurants, and banks.