The Thai Airways Union has warned that its 14,000 members will launch protests if the government does not back down on a plan to reopen the aging Don Muang airport.

The labor union at Thailand's flag carrier said it fears splitting air traffic between Don Muang and the new Suvarnabhumi Airport could cost Thailand its bid to become Southeast Asia's most important hub.

Union boss Somsak Srinual said he would submit a letter to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to urge that Suvarnabhumi remain Bangkok's only international airport. "We oppose the idea of having two international airports, because Thailand could lose the chance to build Suvarnabhumi into a regional hub," Somsak said.

On Feb. 6, the government announced that Don Muang would be reopened within months to ease traffic and allow repairs on runways and taxiways at Suvarnabhumi. But authorities have yet to release a plan for how traffic would be divided.