Transport Mukdahan Governor Confirms Airport Project Will Proceed Following Cabinet Directive

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

The Governor of Mukdahan, Mr. Worrayan Boonnarat, has firmly confirmed that the development of Mukdahan Airport will continue as planned, despite recent national media reports suggesting the Ministry of Transport had scrapped the project due to concerns over economic viability.

 

Speaking at a press conference held at the Kaeng Kabao meeting room in the Mukdahan Provincial Hall, Governor Worrayan was joined by Mr. Kanit Pantayo, President of the Mukdahan Provincial Tourism Industry Council, Ms. Yaowalak Tangprakit, President of the Mukdahan Tourism Industry Association, and representatives from the Indochina Market business community.

 

He addressed the confusion caused by central media outlets, which cited a Department of Airports study indicating that the project lacked economic justification. “At present, the Mukdahan airport project is still moving forward,” the governor stated, noting that the 2025 fiscal year budget still includes funding for both the feasibility study and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

 

Governor Worrayan also clarified that before proceeding with the master planning and infrastructure design, including runways, taxiways, and aircraft aprons, a comprehensive feasibility study had already been completed. This process had included a cost-benefit analysis. Consultants were subsequently hired to draft the master plan, and once finalised, the project will be submitted to the National Environment Board for evaluation before proceeding to budget allocation.

 

He further emphasised that the recent off-site Cabinet meeting in Nakhon Phanom on 29 April had reinforced the government’s commitment to the project. At that meeting, the private sector proposed fast-tracking the airport development, and the Cabinet issued a resolution instructing the Ministry of Transport and other relevant agencies to expedite the process.

 

As an interim measure, the governor revealed that travellers could utilise Savannakhet Airport in neighbouring Laos to access Mukdahan and surrounding areas until the local airport is completed.

 

The governor’s statement sends a strong message that the Mukdahan Airport project remains a priority for regional connectivity and economic development, in line with national policy.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1359142-transport-ministry-halts-plans-for-mukdahan-airport-looks-to-laos-for-new-travel-link/

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-02.