An early start of domestic flights at Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi international airport has been opposed by the labour union for Thai Airways International.

Although the planned opening for the new airport is 28 September Thailand's transport ministry would like to launch domestic flights at the new airport on 15 September, almost two weeks ahead of the scheduled opening.

According to The Associated Press, the Transport Ministry has told Airports of Thailand, the airport operator, to study the possibility of starting domestic flights early, according to transport minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal.

The union for Thai Airways International reportedly stated that the proposal "forces Thai Airways to be a guinea pig in the opening and operation of Suvarnabhumi airport". The union also thinks that the airport "is not ready in every area". In addition the union also said that it would not be possible to divide the airline's equipment and staff between the new airport and the existing Don Muang airports.