Thai charter flights allowed to fly to Indonesia as usual

BANGKOK, July 20 (TNA) - The Indonesian government has allowed Thailand's charter flights to fly to the neighbouring country as usual, but they are required to be under a stricter inspection by Indonesian authorities. Thai Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong told journalists of the update on Monday, citing a notification sent to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Indonesian Transport Ministry on July 16. Air Chief Marshal Prajin said the Indonesian Transport Ministry's notification stated, however, that Thai airlines operating flights to Indonesia are not allowed to increase their flights and change aircraft and aviation routes. According to the transport minister, the Indonesian notification was in response to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)'s recent notice on significant safety concern (SSC) over airline certifications and management of hazardous air cargoes operated by Thailand's Department of Civil Aviation, under the Ministry of Transport. The transport minister insisted that the Indonesian notification will not affect the overall Thai aviation industry, noting that Thai Airways International (THAI), the national flag carrier, is now the sole airline operating direct flights to Indonesia, including seven flights weekly to Bali Island and 10 flights weekly to Jakarta, with the national airline's operations complying with the Indonesian Transport Ministry's notification. (TNA)