Bangkok--3 Dec--Total Quality PR
Following last week’s civil unrest that closed Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport, Etihad Airways is continuing its on going relief flight from U-Tapao airport to help stranded travellers, as the occupation of Suvarnabhumi has ended and the Airport looks to resume operations.
Etihad, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has so far flown over 2,000 passengers on five relief flights out of U-Tapao Airport in Thailand to its home base of Abu Dhabi and onwards to Europe, Africa and other parts of the Middle East. A further 378 passengers will travel early tomorrow morning on the airline's six special flight.
Captain Richard Hill, the airline's executive vice president operations, said: "We've flown in extra staff from our Abu Dhabi headquarters to Thailand to help our full time team based there to try and help run the operation more smoothly and efficiently for travellers who understandably are keen to return home as soon as possible to see their loved ones. “
Etihad Airways will continue taking all possible actions to ensure that passengers are able to return home safely and as quickly as possible. All passengers whose flights have been canceled are asked to contact Etihad Airways so as to confirm the flights they will be on, by calling +66 2 253 0099, or by visiting the town office at the 11th Floor, Tonson Tower, Ploenchit Road, for updated flight and logistic details. Passengers should not go to U-Tapao without first confirming their flights with Etihad.
The airline suspended its double daily service to Suvarnabhumi airport following its closure on Wednesday evening, November 26. Services will be resume when Suvarnabhumi Airport is fully reopened.
For passengers whose flights are awaiting confirmation, the Thai Government, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand, with cooperation by the Thai Hotel Association, is offering free of charge accommodations. For more information, please contact the 24 hour hotline number: 1672 or 1414.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to 50 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
For further details: Etihad Airways Corporate Communications: Tel: 02 253 0099 or visit www.etihadmediacentre.com
More information for media, please contact:
Parisa Chayakula
Total Quality PR (Thailand) Co., Ltd
Tel. 02 260 5820 Fax 02 260 5847 — 8 E-mail: samui@tqpr.com