First charter flight lands at Thailand's Betong Airport
Betong Airport in Thailand's Yala province has welcomed its first charter flight, spurring optimism for both the public and private sectors that the local economy could rebound rapidly.
Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - Betong Airport in Thailand's Yala province has welcomed itsfirst charter flight, spurring optimism for both thepublic and private sectors that the local economy could rebound rapidly.
On January 29, a special charter flight carrying78 passengers arrived at Betong Airport from Bangkok’s Don Mueang InternationalAirport, the first ever to the province. The Civil Aviation Authority ofThailand (CAAT) recently authorised a license and certification allowingcommercial flights to and from the airport.
Seksakol Attawong, an assistant to Thai primeminister's office and a passenger on the aircraft, said the Ministry ofTransport is currently discussing terms with commercial airlines. Betong Airportis scheduled to fully open to the general public and tourists in February.
Construction began in 2016 with a budget of 1.9billion baht. The airport had been scheduled to open in 2019, but was postponeddue to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Betong Airport is expected to increase tourismin the province, with the Betong Tourism Association forecasting the number ofvisitors to rise from 200,000 to 400,000-500,000 as a result of easier accessbetween the province and the rest of the country./.
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