Transport AOT Reaffirms Aims to be Global Leader in Airport Management

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of kaoded.

 

Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) has reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a global leader in airport management as it marks its 46th anniversary. The organisation outlined a comprehensive strategy to enhance passenger experience under the theme “World Class Hospitality”, while accelerating infrastructure development across its six international airports to strengthen Thailand’s aviation and economic future.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Paweena Chariyathitiphong, Acting President of AOT, stressed the company’s role in transforming Thailand’s air transport infrastructure and logistics systems. “We are committed to positioning our airports as the ‘gateway to Thailand’, as well as driving the country toward becoming an aviation hub of Southeast Asia,” she said.

Passenger Growth and Future Forecasts

 

Between October 2024 and May 2025, AOT airports served 88.53 million passengers, marking a 9.2% increase year-on-year. This includes 54.24 million international (+10.8%) and 34.29 million domestic (+6.9%) travellers. Aircraft movements also surged to 544,590 flights (+10.9%).

 

For FY2026 (October 2025–September 2026), AOT forecasts over 130 million passengers and 859,000 flights, alongside 1.64 million tonnes of cargo and mail.

 

Efficiency and Service Excellence

 

AOT reported strong service performance across its six airports—Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai and Chiang Rai. Notably, average processing times per passenger were well within international benchmarks:

 

• Suvarnabhumi: International arrivals (21 minutes), international departures (27 minutes), domestic arrivals (14 minutes), and domestic departures (15 minutes).

 

• Don Mueang: International arrivals (21 minutes), international departures (22 minutes), domestic arrivals (8 minutes), and domestic departures (10 minutes).

 

AOT is also prioritising upgrades to airport spaces to better align with modern passenger lifestyles, including leisure zones, children’s play areas, co-working spaces and charging stations. Cultural displays and art installations, both Thai and international, will further enrich the passenger experience.

 

Major Airport Expansion Plans

 

AOT outlined a sweeping infrastructure investment plan:

 

• Suvarnabhumi Airport:

• East Expansion to increase capacity from 65 million to 80 million passengers/year by 2030.

 

• Development of the South Terminal and 4th Runway.

 

• Launch of the Suvarnabhumi Airport Experience Enhancement Project, including gaming zones, co-working lounges, and digital parks, expected to open by 2026.

 

• Full renovation of terminals and amenities to be completed by 2031.

 

• Don Mueang Airport:

 

• Construction of Terminal 3 for international travellers by 2030 and renovation of Terminal 1 for domestic use by 2032.

 

• Chiang Mai Airport:

 

• Expansion to handle 20 million passengers annuallyby 2033.

 

• Phuket Airport:

• International terminal extension to accommodate 18 million passengers/year, completion expected by 2030.

 

• Chiang Rai Airport:

 

• Capacity increase from 3 million to 6 million passengers/year by 2033.

 

Revenue Diversification and Investment Opportunities

 

While AOT remains focused on aviation-related revenues, it is actively pursuing non-aeronautical income streams to support sustainable growth. Through its AOT Property Showcase, held in April 2025, the company received 28 proposals from domestic and international investors for projects such as:

 

• Hotels

• Private Jet Terminals

• Logistics Hubs

• MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) Centres

• EV Service Stations and Showrooms

• Cultural Attractions

 

These developments aim to unlock the economic potential of land surrounding all six AOT-managed airports.

 

AOT’s Vision for the Future

 

Ms. Paweena concluded:

 

“AOT continues to develop cutting-edge infrastructure, innovative services, and seamless passenger experiences. Our goal is to offer safe, modern, and passenger-friendly travel, firmly establishing Thailand as a premier global aviation hub and supporting the national economy for generations to come.”

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-07-03