A scheduled flight from Harbin, China to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok encountered an unexpected detour on Sunday morning due to severe haze conditions blanketing the Thai capital. Operated by AirAsia X, a prominent regional low-cost carrier, the flight was originally slated to land at 8 a.m. However, reduced visibility prompted a diversion to the larger Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Visibility at Don Mueang Airport plummeted to a mere 150 meters, far below the Thai civil aviation authority's recommended safe flying distance of 5 kilometers. This drastic drop in visibility was attributed to dense haze, which has persistently affected Bangkok's air quality. With only eight days of healthy air recorded this year, the city's pollution index has consistently flagged unhealthy conditions.
The decision to divert the flight was made for safety reasons, underscoring the severity of the haze affecting flight operations. Despite the change in landing site, the flight was not canceled, and passengers were redirected to Suvarnabhumi Airport, which boasts more extensive facilities compared to Don Mueang Airport, the main hub for AirAsia X in Bangkok.
The situation highlighted ongoing concerns about air pollution in Bangkok, where authorities are grappling with maintaining safe aviation standards amidst worsening environmental conditions. The haze not only impeded visibility but also raised alarms about its impact on public health and daily activities in the bustling metropolis.
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