The Iran Airlines special flight for Thai Muslim pilgrims to their annual Haj pilgrimage in Mecca departed from U-Tapao Airport this afternoon.
14.45 Hrs – In order to facilitate stranded passengers with confirmed reservations, THAI organized 31 special flights, 18 outbound and 13 inbound, to depart throughout the day. THAI has provided transportation between Bangkok andf U-Tapao International Airport departing from Centara Grand and vie versa.
THAI has requested that confirmed passengers to pre-check their travel documents at least 5 hours prior to their flight departure time. This includes travelling time to U-Tapao at the Lobby Area of the Centara Grand Hotel at CentralWorld.
10.30 Hrs – The Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) are currently working with airlines to finalize a departure schedule for all remaining stranded passengers at the earliest possible time.
The authorities are urging individual tourists / travellers to refrain from attempting to check-in at various airports, or designated in town check-in centres in hotels on their own prior to receiving official notification or flight confirmation from airline representatives. This will help to minimize confusion and delays at the airport.
The MOTS and TAT are in the process of finding a convenient location in Central Bangkok to facilitate the Express Check-In. As soon as a suitable location for the Express Check-In Centre has been established and in operation, this information will be made available to all tourists/travellers via the Reception/Front Desk/Information Counter at each of the hotels currently providing accommodation to stranded passengers. Transfers from the hotel to the city-centre Express Check-In Centre will then be provided.
THAI requests all passengers who have made reservations to travel or wish to travel with THAI to check flight movements via public media. For those who wish to make flight reservations or change travel plans, please contact the THAI office at Tel: 02 356 1111 or for more information at Tel: 02 545 4000 or visit THAI’s website www.thaiairways.com.