Transport U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City: Ambitious Step Towards Becoming a Aviation Hub

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of MGR.

 

The U-Tapao International Airport and Eastern Aviation City Development Project is poised to become a cornerstone of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with the strategic goal of establishing U-Tapao as the country’s third major international airport and a key aviation hub in Southeast Asia.

 

In a significant development, the U-Tapao International Aviation Co., Ltd. (UTA) is set to formally sign the construction and investment agreement on 18 June 2025. This signing will proceed independently of the delayed high-speed rail project that aims to connect Thailand’s three main airports. Concurrently, negotiations are underway regarding tax-free zone privileges within the Aviation City.

 

Spanning more than 6,500 rai in Phla Subdistrict, Ban Chang District, Rayong Province, the project encompasses comprehensive infrastructure plans. These include the development of a fully integrated aviation and business city, seamless multi-modal transport connectivity, air, land, and rail and a full suite of airport facilities.

The project has received strong support from both the government and private sector partners. The government recently approved amendments to the project contract, increasing investment to 40 billion baht. It has also facilitated access to soft loans and approved 24-hour operations for businesses within the Aviation City, aiming to boost investment and tourism in the area.

 

Phase one of the project is targeted for completion and partial operation by 2028, with long-term plans to transform the site into a full-fledged “U-Tapao Aviation Metropolis.” This expansion will include increased airport capacity and commercial zones, designed to support rapid economic and tourism growth in the eastern region of Thailand.

 

As one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the EEC, the U-Tapao and Eastern Aviation City project represents a bold vision to elevate Thailand’s position on the global aviation map while serving as a powerful driver of regional economic development.

 

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from MGR 2025-05-16.

 

 

 

[ChrisY1]

Oh my....yet another fantasy .....more mention of high speed rail.....and then “U-Tapao Aviation Metropolis.”

[spidermike007]

Hua Hin needs to be an aviation hub. Not Pattaya, which is too close to Swampy to matter. HH remains one of the least utilized airports in SE Asia. It is a shame and a waste. The congestion getting in and out of Bangkok, especially with the monumental failure of the Rama II project is a national disgrace and needs to be dealt with. 

[Nickcage49]

I just doubt that there's a demand for an airport in that area, although since it's half the distance from our house to BKK, I'd love it to happen.

 

But I don't see major airlines booking flights there to all the places I want to go.

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The U-Tapao International Airport and Eastern Aviation City Development Project is poised to become a cornerstone of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with the strategic goal of establishing U-Tapao as the country’s third major international airport and a key aviation hub in Southeast Asia.

I sincerely hope the OP photo is only an artists impression and not a final apron parking plan ?

[n8sail]

They already expanded U-Tapao just before COVID.  Every time I fly from there, It is a ghost town.  Extremely convenient IF you can find a flight that goes where you want to go.  Very limited schedule these days.

The logistics of using this airport, even with the larger terminal, are the stuff of dreams.  Never seen more than 2 flights boarding at a time.

 

This Eastern Aviation Hub project is well underway already.  Someone's family member got a fat contract to build a parking lot and a huge solar array out in the middle of nowhere 55555.    Corruption at its best.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9AqjxUrVLaJaGMMu5

[Guderian]

Hmm, it doesn't look like 'Serene Phla Resport' will be very serene if this expansion goes ahead, lol.

 

[n8sail]

14 minutes ago, Guderian said:

Hmm, it doesn't look like 'Serene Phla Resport' will be very serene if this expansion goes ahead, lol.

 

Indeed.  Kind of a weird resort, very large and open, concrete modern architecture buildings.  Too big to feel cozy.   Went to a wedding there several years ago, was a pretty good venue for that.

 

[Aussie999]

3 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Hua Hin needs to be an aviation hub. Not Pattaya, which is too close to Swampy to matter. HH remains one of the least utilized airports in SE Asia. It is a shame and a waste. The congestion getting in and out of Bangkok, especially with the monumental failure of the Rama II project is a national disgrace and needs to be dealt with. 

Do we really want more tourists in HH, it will turn into another Phuket/Pattaya

[Sydebolle]

Here we go again with the "hub" saga. 

While U-Tapao would be an ideal alternative, the goons are at it again. In the past two daily services with Udon Thani, booked to the rim in each and every of (many) cases. A total desaster though - again - was the passenger handling on arrival. No regular bus services to i.e. Rayong or Pattaya, the "authorized" taxis are an absolute wrap-off while third party vehicles were requested to pass security including photo being taken of driving license/ID card. Bolt etc. had absolutely no chance to get it - just another lovely little Thai airport mafia ufck-pu 😞 

[Beerzy65]

12 hours ago, ChrisY1 said:

Oh my....yet another fantasy .....more mention of high speed rail.....and then “U-Tapao Aviation Metropolis.”

But this happened years ago

[trainman34014]

Been reading this garbage since about 2010, which gets regurgitated once a year !

[scorecard]

13 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Hua Hin needs to be an aviation hub. Not Pattaya, which is too close to Swampy to matter. HH remains one of the least utilized airports in SE Asia. It is a shame and a waste. The congestion getting in and out of Bangkok, especially with the monumental failure of the Rama II project is a national disgrace and needs to be dealt with. 

Plus transport to / from Pattaya is expensive and often a massive rip off, is too far. And services at this lame airport are less than interesting / satisfactory. 

[Boedog]

Thailand the land of make believe and HUBS

[Watawattana]

14 hours ago, trainman34014 said:

Been reading this garbage since about 2010, which gets regurgitated once a year !

I get your point.  This time they are actually spending money on this; I know this for a fact.  But, no idea if it'll actually happen and get finished/opened of course.