Transport Ministry Eyes Major Roi Et Airport Upgrade

[webfact]

File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

In response to rising passenger numbers, the Transport Ministry is set to advance Roi Et Airport's capacities, anticipating broader regional and international travel needs.

 

Roi Et, Thailand – The Transport Ministry has instructed the Department of Airports (DoA) to embark on a significant upgrade of Roi Et Airport, as it copes with growing annual passenger throughput.

 

On a recent inspection visit, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri assessed the airport's infrastructure, focusing on security and service standards in alignment with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines.

 

The directive includes enhancing airport services with sophisticated technology such as dual-view X-ray baggage scanners, automatic LED systems for detecting weapons and explosives, and advanced Electrical Distribution System (EDS) detectors with conveyor mechanisms. These additions aim to heighten security and streamline operations.

A pivotal element of the upgrade is extending the current runway from 2,100 metres to 2,500 metres. This aims to accommodate larger aircraft, thus managing the increasing passenger numbers efficiently. The anticipated expansion is to have all necessary equipment in place and completed by 2030.

 

Currently, Roi Et Airport serves as a crucial hub for travellers from nearby provinces, including Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Yasothon, and Mukdahan. The airport has seen annual passenger numbers exceed 300,000, as noted by Deputy Minister Manaporn.

 

An important aspect of the airport's development is the introduction of customs clearance facilities to cater to charter flights arriving from overseas, thereby expanding Roi Et's international connectivity.

 

According to DoA Secretary-General Danai Ruangson, Roi Et Airport's operations have been on an upwards trajectory, following partial completions of its developmental blueprint last year.

 

Situated on 2,685 rai, the airport currently manages approximately 600 passengers hourly during peak periods, effectively doubling its previous handling capacity. In 2022 alone, the airport reported 342,970 passengers across 2,114 flights, a number that continues to rise.

 

The planned upgrades are a strategic response to the growing demands of air travel in the region, aiming not only to improve passenger experiences but also to bolster Roi Et’s position as a prominent regional airport. These enhancements promise to integrate better services and facilities, aligning with long-term visions for the region's economic and transport infrastructure growth, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-11

 

 

[khunjeff]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

An important aspect of the airport's development is the introduction of customs clearance facilities to cater to charter flights arriving from overseas, thereby expanding Roi Et's international connectivity.

 

Who exactly would be organizing nonstop flights to Roi Et from overseas, and why? I've been there, and have nothing at all against the place, but it's hard to imagine what the draw would be for direct international flights - even charters.

 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

the airport currently manages approximately 600 passengers hourly during peak periods, effectively doubling its previous handling capacity. In 2022 alone, the airport reported 342,970 passengers across 2,114 flights, a number that continues to rise.

 

Do they really handle that many, or is that the theoretical maximum capacity? Their own statistics show fewer than 1000 passengers per day - are 60% of those really concentrated into a single hour of the day? 

 

Improving airports is all well and good, but one has to wonder whether some of this is pie in the sky at best, or a boondoggle at worst.

[Bangkok Barry]

The airport handles only three flights a day, all by AirAsia. I can only guess why the airport went through a massive rebuild recently (the photo used in this thread is an old one). Same as Khon Kaen, which was fine as it was for the number of flights it handles but in that case was totally rebuilt. Very clearly there must have been 'incentives' for those involved to spend so much on something that wasn't necessary.

[Dr B]

If they want to increase the traffic, they need to increase the number of flights, which they have no power to do if they are handling the number of people who want to travel.

All of the proposals from the Deputy Minister are either a construction contract to extend the runway (has anyone established that it is a limiting factor), or capital purchases of fancy equipment. In other words, things he can get his greedy cut from. 

[IsaanT]

On 2/11/2025 at 12:45 PM, Bangkok Barry said:

The airport handles only three flights a day, all by AirAsia.

 

Broadly correct but, strictly speaking, it's six flights because three come in (scheduled times 08:25, 13:15, 19:20) and each one departs half an hour later (08:55, 13:45. 19:50).

So, with approximately five hours between each in-and-out flight, they appear to have plenty of time in the day to accommodate other traffic if needed.

As for extending the runway, all the flights are internal flights to and from Bangkok so only use small airliners (Airbus A320's currently).  These type of aircraft only need 1,500-1,800 metres under normal conditions.

I'm sure they could find a better use for the money.