WHEN WE WENT TO THAILAND LAST YEAR, THE OPENING OF THE BKK AIRPORT SEEMED IMMINENT. ONE YEAR LATER, HAS THE AIRPORT OPENED? IF NOT, WHAT IS THE EXPECTED DATE NOW? THANKS

The latest opening date, as reported by the local newspaper, is September 2006. IMO I think December or beyond will be more realistic.

I drove by the new airport a few weeks ago. It looks big, beautiful, and pretty much finished. There was a big fire there last month though. And the runways have cracks already. These types of projects usually run late in Thailand. My guess is next year?

Another down side is that it is further from BKK than the last airport. It took over an hour to get there from Sukhumvit.

According to the newspaper, the airport will get its operating license on 6 July, so it can open any time after that. However, as far as I know, airlines other than Thai and Bangkok Air have not yet gained access to the airport to set up their operations, nor have any of the concessionaires started construction. September is the earliest date these things can be ready, if they start tomorrow!

There are no cracks in the runway. There are cracks in the asphalt at the edge of one runway, due to the construction of the third runway now under way. These have nothing to do with the safety of the airport.

When I was there last, it only took about 45 minutes to get from the airport to Ploenchit around evening rush-hour. It makes a big difference whether you use the Bang-Nga expressway (slower) or the motor-way.

First, lets remember that the airport project was first conceived in 1957. That should give you some indication as to the time frame we're talking about. We're nearly talking in geological terms at this point. Secondly, I spoke with one of the contractors working at the airport last October (2005) and at that time he told me he best estimate was '07 (very, very slim chance of late '06). He went into detail about his particular job, what had been done to date, what could be done in one day and what was needed to be done (mind you that is only his part of the job). About two weeks after he told me this, Thaksin announced that the airport would absolutely, positively open in June '06.
The bottom line is that the only people who know are talking or are not telling the whole picture.
One last thing, when you say 'open' what do you really mean. There are things called soft openings as well which could have an entirely different meaning that what you are thinking.

bottom line, its thailand!!...what's the rush....i actually like the old airport..

As I said in a previous post perhaps I will find out when the plane lands and I do or do not recognise things!
J

jules...you don't always recognize things so you may still be in the old place....haha