general

The Kremlin Monday played down the possibility that a terror attack might have downed a Syria-bound Russian plane, killing all 92 people on board, as the nation observed a day of mourning for the victims, including most members of a world famous military choir. The Tu-154 owned by the Russian Defence Ministry crashed into the Black Sea early Sunday 2 minutes after taking off in good weather from the city of Sochi. About 3,500 people, 43 ships and 182 divers have been sweeping a vast crash site for bodies of the victims and debris, and dozens of drones and several submersibles also have been involved in the search. Officials sought to squelch speculation that the crash might have been caused by a bomb planted on board or a portable air defence missile. <br/>

Passenger traffic through Thailand's 6 main airports during the New Year holiday is expected to grow at a more moderate rate, reflecting tamer travel sentiment. The Airports of Thailand (AoT) estimates passenger throughput at 2.69m between Dec 29 and Jan 4, up by 6.16% year-on-year to a daily average of 384,892. Passenger volumes are based on the assumption that an airline can fill 80% of available seats on each flight. Total throughput could soar past 3m if they manage to carry passengers at aircraft capacity. Aircraft movements are projected to rise by 9.82% in the period to 16,911, or a daily average of 2,416. Thailand's air travel in the festive season is going through a more subdued mood due partly to the local and global sluggish economic situation, the slowdown in Chinese arrivals and mourning for the late King. <br/>