Expansion to Boost Plane Handling Capacity at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport by 53%
PUBLISHED: 22 Aug 2024
The third runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport is set to be operational by the end of the year, according to Airports of Thailand (AoT). This expansion will enhance aircraft handling capacity from 68 to 94 planes per hour.
A comprehensive trial of the new runway was conducted, which included participation from various aviation stakeholders. The trial confirmed that a civilian aircraft successfully took off from and landed on the new runway.
According to the airport’s general manager, the trial focused on assessing the runway’s physical infrastructure, taxiways, supporting equipment, and overall safety.
Previously, the Royal Thai Air Force successfully tested the runway using its ATR-72 aircraft, demonstrating its readiness for operational use.
Following the recent trial, officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) engaged with Suvarnabhumi Airport representatives to discuss necessary improvements before the runway’s official opening.
This new runway will position Suvarnabhumi Airport alongside top airports in the region, significantly increasing its handling capacity.
In related updates, AoT’s financial performance reflects the surge in air traffic. The company reported a net profit of 14.9 billion baht in the first nine months of its fiscal year, marking a staggering 178% increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue also showed significant growth, reaching 50.76 billion baht, a year-on-year increase of 53.3%, as all six airports managed by AoT collectively handled 90 million passengers, up 21.2% from the previous year.
