SUVARNABHUMI AIRCRAFT NOISE : Court to rule soon on call to ban night flights

The Administrative Court is expected to rule within days on demands to suspend night flights at Suvarnabhumi airport by people living in its vicinity. Somchai Armin, who represents the 359 residents bringing the noise-abatement case, said the flights could be moved to Don Mueang airport.

His clients have asked the court to bar domestic and international flights at Suvarnabhumi from 10pm to 5am so they can get a proper night's sleep.

Mr Somchai said yesterday's hearing focused on the impact the ban would have on the country and measures to alleviate the residents' plight. He expected a decision within a few days.

The residents brought a case in the court on Nov 21 against Airports of Thailand (AoT), the Civil Aviation Department chief, the transport minister, the Pollution Control Department chief and the natural resources and environment minister.

AoT representatives rejected the demand, saying it would cause losses of two billion baht a day and possible lawsuits from air carriers demanding compensation for breach of contract.

Mr Somchai, who is a member of the Lawyers Council of Thailand's environmental committee, said night flights could be shifted to Don Mueang.

The AoT said it was not possible as flights were scheduled in advance. However, it was possible that flights which caused excessive noise could be limited to the daytime.