Suvarnabhumi Airport Expansion Plan Postponed

5th Jul 2014

Thailand may not be able to meet its projected goal for its major airports in the next 5 years due to capacity constraints of its primary gateway, Suvarnabhumi Airport.

This, after the state committee on budget monitoring and scrutinizing demanded a review of the airport's expansion plan proposed by Airports of Thailand; thus, the delay of the implementation of the planned expansion project.

Over a month ago, Lt Gen Anantaporn Kanchanarat announced that the committee needs to study thoroughly the expansion project at Suvarnabhumi Airport before it can be implemented. The committee head found the project's price tag of THB60 billion as too costly, though he noted the project is necessary.

The AoT chief, though, stated that his office will review the plan anew to comply with the committee's wishes to bring the cost down to a level that satisfies them. That would probably involve some changes in the construction layout, despite the bidding is already underway.

Meanwhile, improvements at Don Mueang Airport are proceeding smoothly which will increase its capacity from the current 18 million to 30 million passengers annually. The ongoing expansion project is expected to be finished on or before October this year.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is designed to handle an annual capacity of 45 million passengers, but it has long breached its maximum capacity already. In fact, the airport handled over 51 million passengers last year.

The Phase 2 expansion project of Suvarnabhumi would have been implemented before the year ends, as it was originally planned with the target completion in 2016. The expansion project will increase its capacity up to 60 million when it opens.

The AoT chief has reiterated that an expansion of Suvranabhumi Airport is very urgent and necessary to accommodate the growing passenger traffic passing through it.

Passenger arrivals for all the six major airports operated by AoT are projected to slow down this year, compared to last year's record. A modest 2-3% increase was projected due to the political crisis.

Mr. Makin added that his office will allot up to THB1.3 billion for the upgrade or improvement of the security systems in all 6 airports. He said that a workforce augmentation is also included in the plan to support its expansion program. More technologically-advanced equipment will also be in place to improve service and airport security.

Related News

Bangkok Airways to Resurrect Vital Flight Routes to Northern Thailand

Thai Vietjet Air: Exclusive May Offers for FUN Rewards Members

Hua Hin Airport anticipates surge in international flights after expansion

No more flights to Mae Hong Son

Related Travel Guide Articles

Chiang Mai's Food Odyssey: Street Eats to Gourmet Feasts

6 Steps to Grabbing Cheap Flights - DomesticFlightsThailand

Getting Around Bangkok