U-Tapao Airport Scales Down Expansion Amid Rail Delays

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Airport Technology

 

U-Tapao Airport's highly anticipated expansion is being notably scaled down due to persistent delays in the Bangkok-Rayong high-speed rail project. Initially envisioned to accommodate 12 million passengers annually, the plan has been downsized significantly. This change comes as the rail project, critical for passenger connectivity, remains stalled for almost five years, fostering uncertainty.

 

Keeree Kanjanapas, head of U-Tapao International Aviation (UTA), confirmed that while the airport's development and the Eastern Aviation City initiative will continue, they will proceed on a reduced scale. “We can no longer wait. Instead of litigation, we’ve opted to collaborate with the EEC,” Keeree stated.

 

Originally set to transform the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the 290-billion-baht project spanned a 6,500 rai area. The delays, resulting from numerous agreement revisions, have led UTA to reconsider the expansion strategy. The new plan might slash the airport's passenger capacity to five million, down from the original 12 million, with the larger Eastern Aviation City project also undergoing re-evaluation.

 

 

“We’re prepared to move forward once we receive the necessary approvals. We urge the EEC for prompt clarity,” Keeree further expressed, highlighting the importance of the high-speed rail's purpose for investment decisions—be it tourism, international travel, or commuter traffic from Bangkok.

 

UTA CEO Wirawat Panthawangkun emphasized that while their contract allows for adjustments, these won't alter its core terms, seeking flexibility beyond that of the rail agreement. He also questioned what benefits could offset the tunnel beneath the terminal, intended for the rail line, if the train does not materialize.

 

Facing the possibility of proceeding without the rail link, UTA is navigating through uncertainties as the EEC explores potential tax incentives for investors, pending additional legislation from the Finance Ministry. This strategic pivot reflects the firm’s commitment to maintaining the project’s viability amidst unclear future infrastructure developments reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-02-26

 

 

[MartinBangkok]

I live next door to Utapao. The construction work, which I can see from my balcony, has completely stopped.

[NoDisplayName]

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

He also questioned what benefits could offset the tunnel beneath the terminal, intended for the rail line, if the train does not materialize.

 

Flood it, use it for submarine parking.

[redwood1]

Without the high speed rail U-Tapao will be what its always been.....A 3rd rate airport at best....

 

I guess this means the high speed rail is not going to be built for the foreseeable future....They would NEVER NEVER stop work on U-Tapao if the high speed rail was a GO...

[watchcat]

7 hours ago, MartinBangkok said:

I live next door to Utapao. The construction work, which I can see from my balcony, has completely stopped.

 

You should be lucky!

 

[scorecard]

2 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

You should be lucky!

 

I've always had doubts about the whole viability of U-Tapao as a commercial airport. It isn't that close to Pattaya and  the airport and the difference in kilometers Swamyp to Pattaya and U-Tapao to Pattaya is not that great.

 

And cost of taxis etc., between U-Taopao and Pattaya has at times between outrageous.

 

Took a taxi from Pattaya one time only driver complained al the way to U-Tapao,wanted to increase the fare by 500Baht and wanted to stop half way and me wait in his car while he had lunch. 

 

Why bother, just go to swampy and get one of the regular buses which have many departures downstairs at swampy.

 

For several years I had to live at Jomtien, the regular bus Swampy to Jomtien had several departures every day, was reliable, comfortable not expensive at all and 10 minute mocy taxi to my house.

 

Why even consider flying into U-Tapao?

[bkk6060]

Wasted resources.   Same with Hua Hin airport which has only one flight to and from CNX.

Never thought the rail would ever make it because the description of "high speed" is a concept way beyond the continued 3rd worldish thinking here.

[brewsterbudgen]

Good news.