Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

Authorities in Nakhon Ratchasima have taken the first official step towards converting Wing 1 military airbase into a commercial airport, a project expected to take over six years and cost approximately 1.6 billion baht. The plan follows the U-Tapao model, which saw a military airfield successfully transformed into Thailand’s third commercial airport.

 

A meeting was held at the Luang Phor Koon Parisutho Conference Room at the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Hall on 21 March, chaired by Mr Kittisak Theerawatana, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima. Representatives from various organisations, including the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), the Korat Chamber of Commerce, and local industry bodies, attended to discuss the procedures, regulations, and necessary approvals required for the airport’s development.

 

 

During the meeting, Air Vice Marshal Phitchayan Asiritirat, Commander of Wing 1, emphasised that the base remains a key facility for national air security in Thailand’s northeastern and eastern regions, with the country’s most advanced fighter jets on standby 24/7.

Air Commodore Somphoom Suntra, Deputy Director of the Airport Standards and Air Navigation Services Division, highlighted several issues that must be addressed before the airport can be certified under the 1954 Air Navigation Act. These include:

 

• Runway infrastructure concerns, such as rubber deposits, obstacles near the approach path, and slope inconsistencies.

 

• Airfield safety standards, including firefighting and rescue personnel, signage, and security systems.

 

• Operational limitations, due to intensive military training exercises that occur for seven months each year.

 

• Security and logistical challenges, including the presence of munitions storage within the airbase.

 

The transformation of U-Tapao Airport, which was transferred to the Royal Thai Navy for commercial development, serves as a model for the Wing 1 conversion. The U-Tapao project took six years and four months, with a total investment of 1.624 billion baht. The Wing 1 project is expected to require less funding but could take longer due to its existing military functions and infrastructure requirements.

 

Mr Paijit Manasilp, Chairman of the Korat Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the initiative, thanking the RTAF for its cooperation and providing clear guidance on the process. He acknowledged that previous efforts to develop commercial aviation in the province had faced setbacks, including a decade of failed attempts to use Nong Teng Airport.

 

“This is a major milestone in turning Wing 1 into a commercial airport,” he said. “The process will take at least six years and must pass stringent aviation safety and feasibility studies to ensure long-term success. Our goal is to give the people of Korat access to commercial air travel from their home province once again.”

 

-- 2025-03-22

 

 

 

Meanwhile Korat has a perfectly serviceable and adequate public airport. 

 

Does it really two?

11 minutes ago, Grusa said:

Meanwhile Korat has a perfectly serviceable and adequate public airport. 

 

Does it really two?

The problem with the current airport, run by the DOA Department of Airports, is that no airlines find it commercially viable and are not interested in scheduled flights.

 

The airlines have reported that they would expect  to find the passenger number at the military airport, as it is closer to the city, making it financially viable.

Need some phantasy to find profitable routes.

Bangkok is about 220 km (136 miles).

Even Udon and Khon Kaen don't offer much aside the x-times Bangkok flights.

The tourist routes to Phuket or Chiang Mai might not even be all year.

On 3/23/2025 at 2:36 AM, Georgealbert said:

converting Wing 1 military airbase into a commercial airport,

 

Once up and flying, no doubt the budget airlines will have an impact on the new High Speed Train service to Bangkok (when completed!)

Most advanced fighter jets, that's a laugh they are old F16s which will be soon out of service and replaced by new Gripens, should the contract go through.

 

Completion of the hi speed train will render any flights to and from Bangkok uncommercial.

21 hours ago, Grusa said:

Meanwhile Korat has a perfectly serviceable and adequate public airport. 

 

Does it really two?

 

At present, Nakhon Ratchasima Airport is non-functional after New Gen Airways, a Thai airline which focused on servicing flights between Thailand and China, forfeited its entire fleet and ceased all operations in October 2019.