Hua Hin Airport to Become International Hub by 2025

[webfact]

 

In an ambitious stride to elevate Thailand’s aviation clout, Hua Hin Airport in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is set for a dramatic overhaul. The newly dubbed Phetch-Hua Hin International Airport aims for completion by late 2025.

 

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited the construction site, emphasising the project's significance. "This is a crucial step in elevating Thailand’s infrastructure," he remarked.

 

Once completed, Phetch-Hua Hin Airport will be capable of receiving larger aircraft, setting the stage for increased international flights. The upgrades will include state-of-the-art technology and automated systems to enhance service quality and safety. This modernisation is expected to attract more tourists to Hua Hin and Cha-am beaches and improve connectivity to other Thai destinations.

 

This development is part of a broader government initiative to elevate Thailand’s airports into the top 20 worldwide by the next five years, according to a report from Pattaya Mail.

 

Original Story: PM Srettha’s Plan to Rename Hua Hin Airport

 

During a visit to Hua Hin yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha disclosed his support for renaming the airport to Phetch-Hua Hin. This move aims to highlight the neighbouring Phetchaburi province and its untapped tourism potential.

 

Currently located in Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, the airport is close to Cha-am district in Phetchaburi. The prime minister noted the airport's current underuse and the need for substantial upgrades. He stressed that extending the runway to accommodate international flights could significantly boost the traveller count to the resort city.

 

As of now, Thai AirAsia is the only airline offering regular flights to Hua Hin Airport, running a route from Chiang Mai four times a week, as per the airport’s official Facebook page.

 

Strategic Move for Aviation Growth

 

This renaming aligns with the Pheu Thai-led coalition government’s broader goal to transform Thailand into a leading aviation hub. By upgrading the airport and expanding its reach, PM Srettha hopes to attract more international visitors and stimulate the local economy.

 

The proposal is expected to stir active debate among stakeholders, weighing potential benefits against costs and logistical hurdles. If successful, the rebranding could signify a landmark achievement in Thailand's tourism and aviation sectors, potentially setting a new regional development precedent.

 

Picture courtesy: Wikipedia

 

-- 2024-06-19

 

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[JimHuaHin]

A near empty hub?

[bob smith]

...Hub off!

 

bob.

[Tropicalevo]

Seems crazy to me.

Just another major project spend that will become a white elephant.

Suratthani International airport is just down the road and they have less than 10 flights a day at the moment. All domestic.

Never mind that the economy is tanking.

Never mind that many Thais are struggling.

Let's spend money on major projects for our friends that buy us our positions.

 

At one flight per day, it should be closed down and save money.

F 1 track perhaps?

[Tidal wave]

Shed hub.

[Gottfrid]

Noted in the book, as Thai Hub 127, just after Thai Hub 126

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

In an ambitious stride to elevate Thailand’s aviation clout, Hua Hin Airport in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is set for a dramatic overhaul. The newly dubbed Phetch-Hua Hin International Airport aims for completion by late 2025.

They've been talking modernising and increasing about Hua Hin airport for years

[spidermike007]

I seriously doubt that this will ever happen in our lifetimes, they have been talking about expanding the Hua Hin airport for decades now, they used to have an excuse, they don't anymore. There should be 30 to 40 flights a day in and out of that airport from areas within the region and regional international flights. There is absolutely no excuse for the sloth that's currently being exhibited by the authorities in relation to this airport.

 

It is a shame, it is an abomination, and it is completely ridiculous considering the amount of congestion on the highways. 

[Skeptic7]

Wanna bet❗❓

[LudwigK]

New name is the MOST  IMPORTANT😁😁😁😀😀😀😁😒😒😒😒😊😊😊😊

[vivananahuahin]

How many luggages belt and exits, is the runway long enough for widebodies aircraft, is it a car parking, material, personal,security, ILS,so much parameters need be ready in 2025, I am very curious if it will happen, nice project indeed but realist???

[Caldera]

That really is beyond a joke.

From ghost town to hub in a year? 

[Almer]

Don't forget Khonkaen International Airport together with its new rail station, but nothing goes anywhere

 

[supersomchai]

More airports

more roads

more cars

more tourists

more pollution

The thai road map to sustainable

tourism.☹️

[Korat Kiwi]

How about reopening the Korat airport to the public again?

[WHansen]

It would be nice to have an open Hertz there again. I used to hire a car at swampy and drop it off at Hua Hin until covid shut the branch down. Presently i can only return the car to swampy or another big airport.

[Lancelot01]

On 6/19/2024 at 9:05 AM, hotchilli said:

They've been talking modernising and increasing about Hua Hin airport for years

At least since I arrived in 2008.

[1Baht]

Es wäre einfacher, mit A 320 tägliche Flüge nach Malaysia oder Kambodscha anzubieten, ich sage nur VISARUN

[Andrew Dwyer]

Just now, 1Baht said:

Es wäre einfacher, mit A 320 tägliche Flüge nach Malaysia oder Kambodscha anzubieten, ich sage nur VISARUN

That’s easy for you to say !!

[Middle Aged Grouch]

Let them start at least direct flight to Suvarnabhumi then we will see if all this is true...

[KhunLA]

Cone on already.  HHQ has be revamped and had int'l service a couple times, and fails miserably every time.   There's just no market for it.  The ol' supply & demand applies, No demand, No supply.

 

And HHQ to DMK or BKK, why bother, when taxi is just as fast, or faster, and will take you door to door in comfort & cheaper.  Even the train is a better option and takes about the same time as flight, when everything is considered.   For the CC, train, van or bus is simply too inexpensive.

 

Airport is out of the way.   Taxi mafia to/from, plus 2 ish hour check in, for 1 hour gate to gate, then deal with another taxi on arrival.  Service is always silly priced.  Not bad as an add on, direct or conx flight if fare is decent, if already at the airport and continuing on to or from.  

 

Needs to be convenience at a good price, and apparently hasn't happened yet.

[Korat Kiwi]

Instead of HH how about getting the airport at Korat running again. 

[Patong2021]

On 10/31/2024 at 2:15 PM, Middle Aged Grouch said:

Let them start at least direct flight to Suvarnabhumi then we will see if all this is true...

 

It is 144 km. It is not economically viable. The DMK route was dropped years ago because of the passenger load.

 

On 10/31/2024 at 9:26 PM, KhunLA said:

Cone on already.  HHQ has be revamped and had int'l service a couple times, and fails miserably every time.   There's just no market for it.  The ol' supply & demand applies, No demand, No supply.

 

And HHQ to DMK or BKK, why bother, when taxi is just as fast, or faster, and will take you door to door in comfort & cheaper.  Even the train is a better option and takes about the same time as flight, when everything is considered.   For the CC, train, van or bus is simply too inexpensive.

 

Airport is out of the way.   Taxi mafia to/from, plus 2 ish hour check in, for 1 hour gate to gate, then deal with another taxi on arrival.  Service is always silly priced.  Not bad as an add on, direct or conx flight if fare is decent, if already at the airport and continuing on to or from.  

 

Needs to be convenience at a good price, and apparently hasn't happened yet.

 

All valid points. The most viable solution would be to connect the airport to the rail service. This could transform the airport in a regional hub and take some pressure off of BKK.