In order to cope with an estimated 34 million foreign-tourist arrivals and 150 million domestic travellers in 2017, major airports including Suvarnabhumi,Don Muang International, U-tapao Rayong-Pattaya International,Krabi International, Phuket International and Chiang Rai Mae Fah Luang International are undergoing renovations or expansion.
There have also been calls for some small airports upcountry such as in Roi-et, Nakhon Ratchasima and Hua Hin to be upgraded to international status in order to attract more foreign airlines and tourists. The Transport Ministry also plans a new airport in Yala province.
Businesses such as hotels and travel companies also wanted the government to make Buri Ram Airport an international facility as well as adding a new cargo terminal.
The province has become a famous sport destination thanks to the success of the Buriram United Football Club, along with the opening of the Chang International Raceing Circuit. If Buri Ram Airport could gain international status and a customs office, and have its cargo-handling ability upgraded, it should attract more domestic and foreign airlines into the lower part of the Northeaster region and boost tourism.
The private sector in Nakhon Ratchasima is also urging the government to develop the local airport as the city is growing and has many more attractions.
In the upper Northeast, tourism operators in Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces want the latter promoted as an international aviation hub in order to attract business from such markets as South Korea, Japan and Western countries. Nong Khai itself is luring many visitors from Vietnam, China and Korea . Some retired expatriates from Japan and Western countries have also settled there.
The Thai Hotels Association has urged the development of Hua Hin Airport to link with neighbouring countries, especially Singapore and Malaysia, as well as other provinces in Thailand. Therefore, the airport needs to expand its runway and aviation facilities to meet with international standards.
The Department of Airports, which owns Krabi Airport, says it plans to expand capacity to serve the increasing number of flights by low-cost airlines. The airport was originally designed to handle 3 million passengers a year, but the numbers keep rising. The department is also planning a new airport in Yala’s Betong district, and the Transport Ministry has already taken responsibility for that plan.
Airports of Thailand (AOT), which operates Phuket Interna-tional Airport, said the airport’s capacity had been increased from 6.5 million passengers per year to 12.5 million after completion of a new international passenger terminal.
AOT aims to push Phuket International Airport as the new gateway into southern Thailand, particularly the Andaman Coast, covering five provinces – Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Phang Nga and Trang.
Meanwhile, Bangkok’s main airport, Suvarnabhumi, will see its annual passenger capacity increased from the current 45 million to 60 million by 2019.