Suvarnabhumi Airport Aims to Reclaim Global Standing
PUBLISHED: 7 Sep 2024
In an ambitious move, Airports of Thailand (AoT) has announced an extensive expansion plan for its six international airports, aiming to accommodate a staggering 210 million passengers by 2032.
Kerati Kijmanawat, AoT director, introduced the Ministry of Transport’s strategic plan for 2023-2027, positioning Thailand as a key player in regional aviation.
The centerpiece of this initiative is Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which targets 120 million passengers by 2030. Other airports, including Don Mueang International Airport, are set to handle 40 million passengers by 2030, while Chiang Mai International Airport will serve 20 million by 2032. Phuket International Airport aims for 18 million passengers by 2028, with both Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport and Krabi International Airport projected to manage 6 million passengers by 2032.
Kerati highlighted that Suvarnabhumi airport, previously ranked among the top 10 global airports, has dropped to 58th this year, according to Skytrax, a setback attributed to insufficient facilities compared to competitors in Singapore, Tokyo, Istanbul, and Paris.
The AoT’s comprehensive plan aims to restore Suvarnabhumi to the top 20 best airports globally through a phased approach. The first phase (2025-2027) focuses on improving airport efficiency, while the second phase (2028–2032) aims to establish it as a leader in airport services. By 2037, the goal is to be recognized among the world’s top airport operators.
A key component of this plan includes the implementation of cutting-edge technology designed to expedite international passenger processing, reducing arrival times from 30 minutes to 25 minutes and departure times from 45 minutes to just 30 minutes.
Additionally, the construction of a new South Terminal at Suvarnabhumi will be enacted according to its master plan with a substantial budget of 120 billion baht. The design phase is expected to take approximately 14 months, with construction slated to begin in early 2027 and completion anticipated within four and a half years. This terminal is projected to support 70 million passengers and enhance access from the south via Bang Na-Trat Road, linking to the Bang Na-Chon Buri Expressway.
Furthermore, a fourth runway is planned for the eastern side of the airport, with design work expected to take around 10 months. Bidding for construction is anticipated to commence in early 2027. AoT is also set to submit additional expansion plans for the East and West Terminals to further increase passenger capacity in the future.
