Transport Phuket Airport Set for Major Expansion, Aiming for 18 Million Annual Passengers

[snoop1130]

 

Phuket is gearing up for a transformative leap in air travel capacity, as Airports of Thailand (AOT) propels forward with Phase 2 of its ambitious Phuket Airport Development Project. This expansion is designed to accommodate up to 18 million passengers annually, reinforcing Thailand's status as a central force in regional aviation.

 

On 7th May, AOT facilitated the first public seminar at Splash Beach Resort in Phuket, drawing over 150 participants from government bodies, private sector entities, and local organisations. This gathering was crucial for discussing the project's key aims and anticipated benefits.

 

Presiding over the seminar, Police Colonel Adul Chuthong, Deputy Governor of Phuket, emphasized the importance of collective input and cooperation for the project's triumph. He acknowledged Phuket’s global distinction as a sought-after marine tourism hub, supported by an integral international airport.

 

"The progress of the Phuket Airport Development Project, Phase 2, will help accommodate the growing number of tourists and boost the local economy, improving the quality of life for residents," stated Pol. Col. Adul.

 

Phuket Airport, currently handling 12.5 million passengers annually—including 5 million international and 7.5 million domestic—has been overstretched since 2019. The ongoing expansion is indispensable to address surging demands, stated Monchai Tanode, Director of Phuket Airport.

 

"The new development will increase our capacity to 18 million passengers per year, with a particular focus on expanding the international terminal to handle 10.5 million passengers annually," Monchai elaborated.

 

Planned advancements include the construction of seven additional aircraft parking bays adjacent to the terminal, alongside vast enhancements to the airport's traffic flow and utilities. These infrastructural improvements are anticipated to bolster travel ease, safety, and convenience, aligning with international quality benchmarks.

 

Managed by AOT, the development project is under the consultancy of the P.K.A.C. group, which is responsible for extensive airside survey, terminal design refinement, and supportive systems implementation.

 

Upon its completion, the newly expanded airport is poised to invigorate Thailand’s tourism, trade, and investment sectors, fortifying its image as a formidable regional aviation hub. This strategic development is expected to not only meet the growing traveler influx but also stimulate economic advancement, presenting new opportunities for local and international stakeholders alike.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-08