As the joyful spirit of Songkran looms on the horizon, Don Mueang International Airport is bracing for a whirlwind of activity. From April 11 to 17, the airport is preparing to welcome about 700,000 travelers who will surge through its terminals, marking a 10% increase from last year. This bustling hub is part of Airports of Thailand Plc’s family, and Kerati Kijmanawat, the president of AoT, confidently announced on Wednesday that they are more than ready for the oncoming wave of passengers.
According to Wichit Kaewsaitiam, the diligent director of Don Mueang Airport, April 11 is expected to be the zenith of the travel period as countless workers prepare to embark on a journey back to their home provinces to celebrate the much-loved Thai New Year.
To add a sprinkle of convenience to everyone’s travel plans, Don Mueang is offering a generous treat to its passengers—a parcel of free parking delight from 00:01 am on April 12 to the stroke of midnight on April 16. Ensuring that the experience remains smooth and seamless, a shuttle service will dart between the five-floor car park and Terminal 1, Gate 6, whisking passengers back and forth 24/7 as Mr. Wichit assured.
The air will echo with the hums and roars of 4,391 flights scheduled throughout this vibrant festival stretch. With an average of 627 flights gracing the skies daily, this marks an uplifting 3.1% increase compared to the same thrilling period last year. Out of this aerial parade, 2,705 are domestic routes, a delightful 7.3% rise, beckoning more locals to partake in the Songkran festivities.
The figures are indeed staggering—over the course of the seven-day festivity, 701,636 happy travelers are expected to set foot at Don Mueang, averaging a bustling 100,234 daily passengers. This massive influx depicts a heartening 10.8% surge from the previous year’s numbers, with international passengers making a splashy 282,490 presence—a 6.9% rise, while 419,146 domestic passengers fuel the scene with a 13.5% jump.
So, as the Songkran excitement draws near, Don Mueang Airport stands shimmering like a beacon of hospitality, ready to embrace travelers with open arms. Whether they’re flying across the globe or skipping across provinces, each passenger can expect an experience paved with convenience, bustling with energy, and soaked in the jubilant celebration of Songkran.
Wow, 700,000 travelers! Can’t imagine the chaos.
It’ll be madness for sure, but airports are used to this kind of rush, right?
Kind of excited about the energy of it all. Festivals are the best time to travel!
Free parking sounds like a trap. Bet the shuttles will be overloaded and messy.
Shuttles at airports are usually efficient. They have to be, right?
Good point, Donny. Though, with so many passengers, Sue might have a point.
Increasing flights by 3.1%… think about the carbon footprint! Not very eco-friendly.
Airlines are notoriously bad for emissions, but they’re a necessary evil in today’s world!
Actually, they should be offsetting this. Aren’t more airlines trying biofuels?
Some are trying, but it’s not enough. More action is needed.
Songkran is always a good time for travel. Surprised to see such a big increase in domestic travelers though.
The pandemic changed a lot of travel plans. Maybe people are just eager to visit family?
Domestic travel is often underestimated. Plenty of hidden gems within one’s own country!
True, Nina. Exploring nearby places is definitely trending.
I love Songkran! Any excuse to travel and enjoy life is a good one.
This surge in travel is going to spike the revenue for local businesses. A win for the local economy.
Hopefully it will. Not everyone benefits equally though.
Always amazed by how airports gear up for such crowd. Hats off to the staff!
I was at Don Mueang last year and it was crazy fun, but super crowded. Hope they’ve prepared better this time.
Preparation is key! They seem to have more flights running this year.
Yeah, that’s a good sign. Fingers crossed for a smooth experience.
We need to brace ourselves for delays with that many flights. Been there, done that.
I love that they’re offering free parking. Wish more places did the same.
Free parking is nice, but doesn’t it get crowded during big events?
It’s free, I’d take that over the usual costly parking fees any day.
Songkran is a cultural gem. It’s great that so many are taking part in it.
As long as my flight isn’t delayed, I’m fine with the extra people.
Haha, a delay could mean more time exploring the airport’s lounges.
Can’t wait to fly during Songkran. Celebrating halfway across the world is epic!
International travelers are up by nearly 7%. Global wanderlust is back on the rise!
First time traveling for Songkran! Heard it’s like a massive water fight!
Ah, the exuberance of youth. Enjoy it! Songkran is a wonderful experience.