Urgent meeting today after radar system mishap

The Transport Ministry will convene an urgent meeting today, following the unexpected 1-hour disruption of the radar system at Suvarnabhumi Airport which affected a number of flights yesterday.

As the system is linked with that one at Don Mueang Airport, no flight could land or depart from both airports during 6.15-7.12 pm. Of total 8 arrival flights affected, four were diverted to U-Tapao airport in Rayong. After refilling at U-Tapao, the six flights returned to Suvarnabhumi. Departure flights were delayed by more than 2 hours.

It was reportedly that the radar system was disrupted by a brief power blackout, while the subsidiary power source could not be activated.

In his radio interview to FM101 today, Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan said that officials at the meeting would find out what really happened to the radar system.

He noted that it was fortunate that the mishap occured and was solved before 10pm, the busiest period for Suvarnabhumi Airport.