Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) transported all THAI passengers and Thai citizens originally booked on other carriers who were stranded in Hong Kong. It is anticipated that all flights from Bangkok-Hong Kong will operate normally today (15 August 2019).
Mr. Sumeth Damrongchaitham, THAI President, said that Mr. Saksayam Chidchob, Minister of Transport, and Mr. Thaworn Senium, Deputy Minister of Transport, have followed this situation closely in an effort to transport passengers traveling roundtrip from Bangkok-Hong Kong. THAI has been requested to operate flights immediately, once authorization is granted to operate flights, in order to ensure that no passengers are left behind. Yesterday (14 August 2019), the High Court of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region issued an interim court injunction to ban protesters from Hong Kong International Airport and compel them to obey orders, thereby prohibiting protests in the airport premises and obstructing passenger arrivals and departures. THAI was able to transport distressed passengers stranded from flights with other carriers as follows:
•Operated 5 flights from Bangkok-Hong Kong:
Flight TG600/628/606/638/602 on 14 August 2019.
Carried a total of 1,420 passengers, including 1 infant.
•Operated 5 flights from Hong Kong-Bangkok:
Flight TG603/601/629/607/639 on 14 August 2019.
Carried a total of 1,380 passengers, including 6 infants.
THAI’s Station Manager in Hong Kong reported to the Company that the situation at Hong Kong International Airport had improved while under court orders with strict security, entrance and exit restrictions that allow only those with authorized passes, and passengers holding airline tickets to enter the passenger terminal. THAI’s morning flight TG603 was able to according to the regular schedule, with departure from Hong Kong International Airport at 07.44 hours and arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 09.25 hours, 289 passengers were carried, all holding reservations, and without any passengers remaining.
Out of concern for passengers, THAI issued a waiver on ticket change fees for tickets issued roundtrip from Bangkok-Hong Kong. The waiver is valid on tickets issued before 5 August 2019 that specify travel dates from 5-26 August 2019, which may be changed according to conditions that apply.
THAI is monitoring the situation closely in order to properly assess the situation. Passengers are advised to check the Company’s announcements and keep abreast of all related news. For further information on flight schedules, passengers may check at thaiairways.com or call the THAI Contact Center at Tel. 02-356-1111 (24-hours a day).
