A proposal to move Thailand’s non-connecting domestic flights back to Don Muang has been approved in principle by the Airports of Thailand’s (AOT) board due to many complaints made by carriers concerning higher costs at Suvarnabhumi.

Many budget airlines have complained that Bangkok’s new airport operating costs were far too high. Even Thai Airways had recently announced that that the move to Suvarnabhumi had added THB3.7 Billion (USD103 million) to its annual operating costs.

The national carrier has said that once the move is finalised officially they will be shifting all their domestic routes, except those involving Phuket, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen back to Don Muang.

The destinations that will remain in Suvarnabhumi are those that carry more international passengers, who will be more likely to need connecting international flights.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that such a move by the AOT is likely to dampen Bangkok’s potential for becoming an aviation hub.

Albert Tjoeng, IATA spokesman Asia-Pacific said, “Imagine a passenger arriving in Suvarnabhumi and having to catch a connecting domestic flight or no-frills flight from Don Muang. How long will that connection take including baggage collection, travel from Suvarnabhumi to Don Muang and then check-in for the next flight? If an airport wants to be a hub, it is important to keep the connection time low.”

Transport Minister Admiral Thira Haocharoen has warned carriers not to get ahead of themselves as the decision to relocate has not yet been finalised and that further talks are scheduled to take place later this month concerning the matter.

“The move of domestic flights to the Don Muang Airport will have wide-ranging repercussions. So, it needs to be studied in detail with caution,” Mr Haocharoen said.

“The news that the matter will go before a Cabinet meeting in one or two weeks and that domestic flight services will be re-launched within one to two months cannot yet be affirmed. We need first to consider to the opinions of all parties concerned”

This new move will also enable the AOT to save money as further expansions for Suvarnabhumi will be able to be delayed.