Thailand’s aviation hub plans receive airline approval despite concerns

[webfact]

 

The Thai government’s initiative to transform the country into an aviation and logistics hub has been met with approval from airlines.

 

However, concerns regarding congestion at major airports and the significant investment required to accommodate increasing demand persist. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently unveiled plans to capitalise on Thailand’s strategic location in Southeast Asia to attract more international airlines to expand in the country.

 

According to Tassapon Bijleveld, executive chairman of Asia Aviation Plc (AAV), the primary shareholder of Thai AirAsia (TAA), the country needs substantial investment to establish itself as a regional aviation hub. He noted that Bangkok’s main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, are nearing their maximum capacity.

 

Suvarnabhumi Airport, which handles the majority of inbound flights to Bangkok, is particularly congested. Furthermore, Phuket airport, the second-largest hub for international air traffic, cannot expand due to geographical constraints, explained Tassapon, reported Bangkok Post.

He emphasised the need for comprehensive long-term plans to transform Thailand into an aviation hub, citing the existing infrastructure’s inadequacy to handle increasing airline fleets and passenger numbers. He also highlighted the challenge posed by Suvarnabhumi Airport’s single-passenger terminal. Despite the recent opening of a satellite terminal, it remains insufficient to manage the large volume of international flights.

“Becoming an aviation hub might take time and a large investment, but the government should make the plan clear and start it as soon as possible, whether it involves expanding Suvarnabhumi airport or adding an airport in Phangnga to absorb congestion in Phuket,” stated Tassapon.

 

Tassapon also commented on the government’s policy to elevate provincial airports to international status, like Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Buri Ram. He asserted that airlines agree with this initiative. Still, the government should pledge to support long-term development and avoid project delays, as is currently happening with some airports.

 

by Alex Morgan 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-02

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

[bkk6060]

And the high speed trains?

 

They need to ask China for money or nothing will happen.

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

He noted that Bangkok’s main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, are nearing their maximum capacity.

So build a third airport in a strategic location

[TheAppletons]

Better still, increase visa prices by 600%.  

 

That'll create additional capacity with no capital investment required.

[Srikcir]

46 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

So build a third airport in a strategic location

The problem is that financing the new airport at a time when Thailand's chief infrastructure funding source China is having its own domestic budget issues and the Thai government has already delayed its budget submission for 2024/2025.

[Mr Meeseeks]

They need to modernise their immigration policies first, to reduce the congestion.

 

Both Malaysia and Singapore now operate automatic gates for foreigners entering and leaving the countries. 

[ChrisY1]

I think the airlines would just say yes to anything this government proposes....much easier than arguing....and anyway..they know governments dream and talk nonsense!

[John Drake]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The Thai government’s initiative to transform the country into an aviation and logistics hub has been met with approval from airlines.

 

Name them.

[TheAppletons]

3 hours ago, John Drake said:

 

Name them.

 

  Pan Am, TWA, Northwest Airlines, and Continental.  

[thenewgoo]

Sounds like Tassapon should have been consulted before the PM unveiled his plans. 

[blueCloud888]

This government is a hub of initiatives, amazing. 

[DonniePeverley]

16 hours ago, TheAppletons said:

Better still, increase visa prices by 600%.  

 

That'll create additional capacity with no capital investment required.

 

They've just dropped visa fees for their biggest tourists. 

[Lee65]

Thailand rushing in all the wrong directions.