Hua Hin Airport Expands To Welcome International Flights By 2026

Published on December 21, 2024

Thailand is upgrading Hua Hin Airport to handle international flights, boosting tourism and connectivity, with completion expected by April 2026.

Thailand’s Ministry of Transport is prioritizing the expansion of Hua Hin Airport to accommodate increasing travel demand and secure its international certification. With over 75,000 passengers recorded in the 2024 fiscal year, the airport’s upgrades aim to position Hua Hin as a significant gateway for both global and domestic travelers. This development will enhance transit connectivity, stimulate tourism, and support the region’s economic growth.

Currently, Hua Hin Airport only offers domestic flights, with Thai AirAsia providing services on the Chiang Mai–Hua Hin route several days a week. However, the upcoming upgrades will pave the way for international flights, expanding travel opportunities for both leisure and business visitors.

Before it can secure international certification, the airport must complete several key developments. The runway has already been extended and widened to meet international standards for larger aircraft. While the expansion is finished, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is currently inspecting the runway dimensions to ensure compliance. This phase of the project, which has cost approximately THB 239 million, is crucial for Hua Hin’s transformation into an international airport.

The next phase of the project includes enhancing the runway strip, building a new road tunnel, and upgrading the runway-end safety area. According to Danai Ruangsorn, director-general of the Department of Airports (DoA), this phase is estimated to cost THB 300 million and is awaiting approval from Thailand’s Budget Bureau.

Construction on the upgraded facilities is set to begin in January 2025, with the airstrip expected to be ready for international operations by April 2026. This expansion is anticipated to increase tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan province and across Thailand, strengthening the nation’s position as a top global destination.