The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has apologised for closing the airspace over Don Mueang airport for about an hour yesterday, causing almost 30 commercial flight delays.
It said the move was necessary to allow for a rehearsal of an airborne segment of the inauguration ceremony of the new air force commander-in-chief, due to take place on Friday.
Airspace over the airport was off limits from 1.45pm to 2.45pm, meaning runways were also closed to commercial flights, delaying 29 of them, while fighters took off for the rehearsal.
The RTAF said it issued a Notice to Airmen (Notam) beforehand to inform airlines scheduled to fly in and out of Don Mueang during the rehearsal period. It has since apologised for the inconvenience and pledged to conduct future rehearsals as quickly as possible.
"We ask for understanding as the RTAF has to share the airport's airspace," spokesman AVM Prapas Sornjaidee said.