Thailand takes steps to keep flights running

Officials in Thailand have decided to reopen Don Muang Airport in Bangkok for domestic and international flights while the city's new hub deals with numerous issues.

Suvarnabhumi Airport opened in September of last year but has since been beset with problems relating to its runways.

However, Surayud Chulanont, prime minister of Thailand, has sought to keep flights in and out of Bangkok running at relatively normal levels by keeping the old airport available for a number of local and long-distance services.

"We need to time to make repairs and improvements at Suvarnabhumi Airport, because of the many flaws," he told reporters yesterday.

In related news, the country's main airline, Thai Airways, announced earlier this week that it plans to purchase eight Airbus A330-300 aircraft, as well as its retain its order for six Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft.

Airbus is holding a special flight for members of the media on one of its A380 planes today. The aircraft is the biggest of its kind for commercial passengers and boasts enough room for up to 555 travellers.

• Observation wheel to open in Melbourne
• Travellers invited to Australia's cinematic destinations
• Tunarama Festival to attract visitors to Australia
• Paphos Airport gets off to good start
• US visitors reminded of Esta regulations
• FCO: Holidaymakers must plan for all eventualities
• New Zealand recognised for responsible tourism
• Air Berlin launches new flights from Stansted Airport
• Cape Town prepares for tourist influx
• Air New Zealand, Boeing confirm biofuel test flight