Thailand aims to increase passenger handling capacity to 150 million annually by 2030

Monday, March 4, 2024

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has unveiled an ambitious blueprint for Thailand‘s ascent as a dominant aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific region through the comprehensive Thailand Vision initiative.

With an eye on reinventing its aviation infrastructure, the government has laid out strategic plans to enhance the operational capacity and global standing of Thailand’s airports, particularly focusing on Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport, alongside the development of a new airport in the Andaman region.

The cornerstone of this vision is the transformation of Suvarnabhumi Airport into a top 20 global airport within the next five years. A collaborative effort with the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) aims to increase its passenger handling capacity to 150 million annually by 2030. Key to this endeavor is the opening of a third runway in 2024, which will initially support 60 flights per hour, with plans to expand this capacity to 90. Furthermore, ambitious infrastructural enhancements, including terminal expansions and the construction of a fourth runway, are set to significantly boost its throughput.

Don Mueang Airport is slated for a paradigm shift towards a point-to-point model, with a strategic upgrade to accommodate 50 million passengers by 2030. This revamp involves the renovation of existing facilities and expansion of terminals to better serve domestic travelers.

Additionally, the government’s vision extends to the construction of Andaman Airport, aimed at bolstering tourist access to Phuket and its environs, and the expansion of Phuket International Airport to handle up to 18 million passengers annually.

Beyond infrastructural upgrades, Thailand Vision encompasses the development of a robust maintenance industry for commercial and private aircraft and the establishment of a Cold Chain cargo system. This initiative also prioritizes sustainability through the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and eco-friendly packaging. By forging stronger collaborations across the aviation sector, this comprehensive strategy aims to not only spur economic growth but also enhance the quality of life in Thailand, marking a significant step towards sustainable development.

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