Passengers are being urged to plan extra travel time to Don Mueang International Airport during the New Year festival as an increasing number of passengers are expected to use the airport during the break.
Phet Chancharoen, the airport's general manager, said the number of passengers at the airport is expected to increase from 670,000 during last year's New Year festival to more than 700,000 during this coming festive season (between Dec 29, 2016 and Jan 4, 2017).
He urged passengers to allow for at least two to three hours of extra travel time to the airport.
Jan 1 is expected to be one of the busiest days for the airport, Mr Phet said, adding more than 100,000 passengers are expected to use the airport that day.
Meanwhile, the number of domestic flights is also expected to increase from 4,643 last year to 5,116 flights this season, he said.
But the manager expects the number of chartered flights to drop from 111 last year to 99 this year.
Mr Phet said he had ordered the airport's officials to be stationed at different points at the airport to provide convenience for passengers.
Officials will be on standby to solve any traffic or parking problems that may arise, he added.
He has sought help from Don Mueang and Vibhavadi police to direct traffic on roads leading to the airport to help passengers.
The 5th floor of the parking building at the south of the airport will be opened for passengers during the period, he said.
Responding to Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith's order, Mr Phet said the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority will provide more shuttle buses for passengers who use the airport to Mor Chit Bus Terminal and the Victory Monument to serve the increasing number of passengers.
As for security measures, Mr Phet said a combined team of tourist police, district police and K-9 (canine) forces from the Royal Thai Air Force will be on patrol inside and outside the airport to maintain order.
He warned food vendors not to try and take advantage of the long holidays by increasing food prices.
The standard price of a 500cc-600cc bottle of water is 10 baht, while the price of food in the airport should be no more than 20% higher than that offered at restaurants outside the airport, he said.