Airport expansions and upgrades planned over the next 5-10 years

The ambitious project, valued at approximately 700 billion baht, will span the next 5-10 years and include the construction of new airports, expansion of existing facilities, and upgrades to key infrastructure.

Key highlights of the plan include:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport Expansion: AOT plans to construct a new South Terminal at a cost of 120 billion baht. This terminal will be larger than the current Main Terminal and is expected to increase passenger capacity by 70 million annually. The project includes the construction of a fourth runway and is slated for completion by 2031.
• Don Mueang Airport Upgrade: A 36 billion baht  investment will expand capacity from 30 million to 40 million passengers per year. The project includes a new international terminal and renovations to existing facilities.
• U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City: This massive 320 billion baht project will transform U-Tapao into a major aviation hub. Construction is set to begin in early 2025, with the first phase accommodating 12 million passengers by 2028.
• Regional Airport Development: Plans include expanding Phuket and Chiang Mai airports, as well as constructing two new airports: Andaman Airport (Phuket Airport No. 2) and Lanna Airport (Chiang Mai Airport No. 2).
• New Airport Construction: AOT plans to build six new regional airports to improve connectivity across the country.

AOT President Kerati Kijmanawat stated that the goal of the expansion plan is to increase the capacity of Thailand's airports to accommodate 250 million passengers per year or more.

“We aim to position Thailand’s airports among the top 20 in the world,” he said.
 

U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City Development

Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO), provided further details on the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City project.

“We're pleased to announce that Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (ITD) has been selected as the contractor for this transformative project. The company is currently in the process of coordinating loans from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB),” he said.

The project will be developed on a vast area of 6,500 rai (approximately 2,600 acres) and comprises three main components:

• Airport Terminal: 1,482 rai (593 acres)
• Air Cargo & Logistics: 348 rai (139 acres)
• Airport City: 1,058 rai (423 acres)

"The development will be executed in six phases, with the first phase set to accommodate 12 million passengers by 2028. Subsequent phases will gradually increase capacity, with the final phase supporting up to 60 million passengers annually.," he said. 

“The Airport City area will feature world-class facilities including a MICE centre, shopping complexes, an indoor arena, hotels, a racing track, restaurants, and a Medical Tourism Hub. This project is not just about air travel; it's about creating a comprehensive aviation ecosystem that will drive economic growth in the Eastern Economic Corridor," he added.

The comprehensive plan also includes significant investments in cargo facilities, automated systems, and commercial developments within airport cities. These projects are expected to create numerous jobs and stimulate economic growth in various regions of Thailand.

As these ambitious plans unfold, Thailand is poised to significantly enhance its aviation infrastructure, potentially reshaping the landscape of air travel in Southeast Asia. The multi-billion pound investment underscores the country's commitment to maintaining its position as a key player in the global aviation industry and a major tourist destination.