Thailand: Airline closes due to air pollution from agricultural fires

In Thailand, a atmospheric pollution Severe air pollution caused by agricultural burning led to the temporary closure of an airline. Between December and April, air quality in the north of the country deteriorated, affecting the safety flights, particularly those operated by Bangkok Airways. Visit smogA thick cloud of pollution compromised visibility, leading to the suspension of flights between Bangkok and Mae Hong Son from March 15 to April 20. In addition, air pollution levels exceed safety thresholds, leading to the closure of 352 schools in Bangkok as authorities attempt to manage this environmental crisis.

Thailand, a country with a rich cultural mosaic, is today facing a major environmental crisis. Bangkok Airways recently announced the suspension of its flights between the airports of Suvarnabhumi, Lampang and Mae Hong SonThis hidden gem in the north of the country is a popular destination for adventurers and travellers in search of authenticity.

The shadow of smog hangs over the north

Every year, between December and April, the north of Thailand is invaded by a cloud of pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels. agricultural burning. Favored by farmers anxious to prepare their fields economically, this practice has dramatic repercussions on air quality. The impressive image of the metropolis of Bangkok under this grayish mist hiding the skyscrapers has become commonplace.

In-flight safety and the accumulation of pollutants

Faced with this invisible but dangerous threat, airlines are forced to review their plans. For Bangkok Airways, the decision to temporarily suspend its flights was prompted by concerns about visibility and safetytwo essential pillars of air transport. Indeed, the thick "smog" that envelops certain regions affects not only aircraft but also local tourism, a crucial sector for the region's economy.

School closures

Pollution is not confined to airports. Visit 350 schools recently closed their doors in Bangkok due to dangerous levels of fine particles exceeding the acceptable threshold of PM2.5These microscopic particles are capable of penetrating deep into the lungs. Faced with the emergency, the Thai authorities tried to reduce motorized traffic by offering free public transport for an entire week.

Regional environmental impacts and disasters

On the borders of Thailand, neighboring regions are not spared. Visit Agency for the development of geoinformatics and space technologies (GISTDA) reported an impressive number of fires: 3,876 in Burma, 788 shared between Thailand and Laos, and 653 in Cambodia. These incendiary outbreaks not only exacerbate smog, but also cause major social and health disruption for millions of people.

As Mae Hong Son, the jewel of the north, undergoes this ecological crisis, the international community watches and wonders. The proliferation of orbital waste and the rise of sustainable aviation projects, such as the "Alice" electric aircraft flying at 1000 km/h, are unavoidable topics for tomorrow's industry. To find out more, read this article on orbital waste and this air revolution in the making.

Impact of Air Pollution on Air Transport in Thailand

Factor	Description
Airlines	Bangkok Airways
Region concerned	North and Northeast Thailand
Suspension period	March 15 to April 20
Main cause	Slash-and-burn
Affected item	Visibility and safety aircraft
PM2.5 level	Exceeds 37.5 µg/m³.
Personnel involved	Passengers and crew
Impact on education	352 schools closed
Affected megalopolis	Bangkok
Support measure	Free public transport

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