Photo courtesy of ACI Asia-Pacific

 

The Thai Ministry of Transport has announced an ambitious plan to upgrade Phuket Airport's flight handling capacity by 2025. Currently managing 25 flights per hour, the goal is to handle 35 flights per hour by implementing advanced air traffic management strategies.

 

In a recent statement, Deputy Minister of Transport Monaporn Charernsri revealed that the enhancement plan draws inspiration from Japan's Fukuoka Airport, known for its effective air traffic management. Fukuoka operates one of Japan’s busiest single runways, efficiently managing 38 flights per hour.

 

AEROTHAI, responsible for this initiative, aims to adopt Fukuoka’s successful strategies. The focus is on optimising runway operations through the High-Intensity Runway Operation (HIRO) project, improving Rapid Exit Taxiways, and utilising advanced technologies like Digital Towers and Multilateration systems.

 

 

With an increase in international travel, particularly from Japan, this upgrade aligns with Thailand's goal of becoming a regional aviation hub. The move also anticipates Phuket Airport's spatial constraints, suggesting an eventual collaboration with a proposed Andaman Airport in Phang Nga province.

 

The improvements come amidst rising tourist arrivals boosted by free-visa policies and are expected to significantly enhance service quality at Phuket Airport. This capacity expansion not only aims to accommodate the growing number of tourists but also to streamline air traffic efficiently and safely, setting a future target of 40 flights per hour, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-02-28

 

 

I do hope the efficient and fairly-priced airport taxi service will be able to handle the increased traffic.

London Gatwick's single runway can do 55 per hour.  Great step forward, but still some way to go.

 

Digital Towers and Multilateration systems are just 2 of the many systems and safety tools that are useful.  Again, a great step forward, but still some way to go.