Seven weeks ago, European carriers used Russian airspace as the most efficient route between their hubs in Europe and destinations in Asia. However, with the beginning of the war, everything changed, and the closure of Russian airspace for the airlines of “unfriendly” countries brought some benefits. For example, Thailand, as more transit planes can pass through the territory of the kingdom, said Tiger, citing statements by the Ministry of Transport of the Kingdom.
The agency called on the Aerothai Aviation Radio Surveillance Plan to develop an emergency plan in preparation for a potential increase in air traffic through Thai airspace, as international flights of some airlines are forced to use increased flight corridors to avoid flights over Russian territory. By the way, Chinese airlines continue to use Russia’s airspace between Europe and China.
The ministry issued the order after the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) discussed the situation with the country’s prime minister on April 5. Transport Minister Saksayam Chichob said he had ordered Aerothai to review airline routes and air traffic over Thailand to develop an emergency plan, the newspaper said.
Because Thailand is an ICAO base in the Asia-Pacific region, some airlines may need to refuel in the kingdom before continuing on to a distant destination, so the agency will need to consider ground handling capabilities at each airport.
Most airlines operating flights between Europe and Asia have relocated their flights to the south to avoid Russian airspace. Instead of flying east through Russia and then south to destinations in Japan, South Korea, China and other Southeast Asian countries, flights now head south to cross Turkey, Central Asia, China and Mongolia. Traveling in an easterly direction, it adds about one hour of flight. Due to detours, the flight time from east to west may require an additional 3 hours. The Minister of Transport explained that he had instructed the authorities to prepare the necessary information “in case we have to work with ICAO on airspace.”
Meanwhile, Thailand will ban Russian commercial airlines with passengers or cargo from flying to Thailand during this time, the ministry said. Special exceptions can be made for humanitarian reasons, ie for the evacuation of trapped Russians.
“The government remains neutral because we are not a party to the conflict… No hesitation on the left or right. We must follow the position of the United Nations, “the statement said.
Although the neutral position of the Thai authorities did not really adhere to. So, last month, Thailand was among 141 countries that voted in favor of a resolution condemning Russia’s special operation in Ukraine. The vote took place at the 11th extraordinary special session of the UN General Assembly. However, Thailand has joined 57 other countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia and India, abstaining from voting to remove Russia from the UN Human Rights Council.
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