Bangkok's airport to open at last

Thailand's much delayed new international airport is ready for commercial traffic and could open as early as September, the transport minister said on Thursday.

Contractors should finish up their work in the next month, and then the new Bangkok airport will undergo two months of testing to ensure its systems run smoothly, Pongsak Raktapongapisal told reporters at the new airport.

"The airport can open for commercial use by late September," he said.

The minister said the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) had certified the new airport for operation, clearing the way for commercial traffic. The ICAO's Bangkok office could not be reached for details.

40 years in the pipeline

The Suvarnabhumi Airport, whose name means "golden land", has been in the works for more than 40 years but construction delays and claims of graft have repeatedly delayed its opening.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had insisted the airport would open last September, and staged a ceremonial opening with a symbolic test flight.

He insisted that nothing would force another postponement.

"Absolutely we will open in September," Thaksin said as he toured the new facility.

Thailand hopes to be Asian hub

Thailand hopes the new airport, with an initial capacity of 45 million passengers annually, will surpass rivals Singapore and Malaysia as the region's most important hub. Its capacity can be expanded to 120 million passengers annually.

The airport will relieve traffic congestion at Bangkok's existing Don Muang international airport which is currently accommodating 38.5 million people annually although it was designed to handle only 36 million people.

Last month a senior transport official said the opening of the new airport for passengers could take place later this year due to construction problems.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents 250 airlines, urged Thai authorities not to rush to open the facility until the new computer systems had been completely tested.

"New airports use incredibly complex systems that must be integrated and work efficiently. And it is important that airlines are involved in the process," said Tjoeng Albert of IATA in Singapore.

"Ample notice on the opening date should also be given to airlines in order to give time to prepare for the shift to Suvarnabhumi Airport," he told AFP.