Suvarnabhumi Airport (finally) opens

The futuristic-looking, glass and steel structure of Suvarnabhumi Airport opened to much fanfare—and a certain amount of controversy due to allegations of corruption.

The airport promised to pave the way for more passengers to pass through the Thai capital, but officials were uncertain what to do with the old Don Mueang Airport. Some suggested that it be transformed into a convention centre or be used for other non-aviation purposes.

Others insisted Bangkok needed two airports, although the sites would have to be linked by high-speed transport for passengers to connect international and domestic flights. There were also suggestions that Suvarnabhumi become a separate ‘Aerotropolis’, bestowed with concessions for investors.

Critics, meanwhile, complained that Suvarnabhumi had been riddled with corruption, citing the US contract for its X-ray baggage security system. Suvarnabhumi also reportedly had ‘cracks’ in its runways, cramped floor space, a sweltering passport-control zone, a lack of toilets and other woes. But officials hailed its opening as proof that Bangkok was an increasingly popular destination and ‘transport hub’ for Southeast Asia.