CityNews – Chiang Mai airport is to come under new scrutiny in July when US and UN aviation agencies will hold airport security and aviation licensing inspections at Thailand’s major international airports.
The new inspections have been sparked by recent safety concerns around Thai aviation.
Speaking with the Bangkok Post, Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) chief Somchai Phiphutthawat confirmed that the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to hold inspections in Thailand from July, while the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will audit Thailand’s international airports between 2016 and 2017.
The DCA are currently struggling to meet ICAO standards on air operation certification and regulations on the transportation of hazardous materials. The DVA will submit new aviation management improvement plans to the ICAO in May.
The FAA inspections will focus on safety concerns over processes for issuing licences for aircrafts and pilots. The US agency has the power to downgrade Thai aviation safety levels if they determine aviation operations below standard.
This could have serious impact on the number of airlines flying to and from Thailand.
The ICAO inspections will begin in 2016 as part of a worldwide audit on how countries screen air travellers and goods.
Inspections will be held at international airports around the country, including Chiang Mai, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang in Bangkok, Mae Fa Luang in Chiang Rai, Hat Yai and Phuket.