The Airports of Thailand (AOT) has announced immediate plans to develop six of Thailand’s main international airports to accommodate the growing tourism sector.
AOT president Nitinai Sirismatthakarn said the development plan aims to accommodate demands of the growing aviation industry, as low-cost airlines in Thailand continue to offer new local and overseas destinations, according to a National News Bureau of Thailand report.
Nitinai said the AOT master plan calls for the development and expansion of the six airports over 10 years with a budget of THB200 billion (US$5.7 billion).
The six are Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, and Hat Yai.
He added that the first five years of the plan involves the second phase of expansion at Suvarnabhumi and the third phase of renovation at Don Mueang.
After completion, Suvarnabhumi International Airport will be able to handle 60 million passengers per year, a significant increase from the current 45 million. Construction will begin in August and completion is scheduled for 2019.
The Don Mueang International Airport project seeks to renovate the existing passenger terminals and roads around the  airport, while building 12 more airport aprons.
Nitinai expects that once the project is completed in 2022, Don Mueang will be able to welcome an additional 40 million passengers per year.
AOT is a Thai public firm that manages these six airports. It was established in September 2002 as a result of the privatization of the state-owned Airports Authority of Thailand. The Thai government still holds 70% of the company’s stock.
Photo: Khaosaming
