Pictures courtesy of SiamRath.

 

Bangkok Airways has unveiled ambitious plans to transform Trat Airport into the main aviation hub for Thailand’s eastern region, aimed at driving both tourism and economic growth.

 

At a press briefing held on 1 September, at Trat Airport, Bangkok Airways President, Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, announced a major development project to upgrade the airport’s facilities and expand its operational capacity. The event was attended by senior provincial officials, including Deputy Governor of Trat, Damrongsak Yodthongdee, as well as local government leaders from the sub-districts neighbouring the airport.

 

Trat is a key tourist destination, particularly popular among European visitors, who form one of Bangkok Airways’ strongest customer bases. Passenger numbers are rebounding, with more than 40,000 travellers recorded in the first half of 2025, and demand expected to surge during the upcoming high season.

 

“Trat Airport has enormous potential, not only to serve growing tourism demand but also to expand our domestic and international route networks,” said Mr Puttipong. “In the future, we could see Trat linked to Samui, Krabi and other destinations once more, as well as international routes to Cambodia, such as Siem Reap, Koh Kong and Sihanoukville. Trat Airport is already a CIQ (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine) airport, so the infrastructure is in place.”

 

He added that the airline is prepared to welcome other carriers, including low-cost airlines, once facilities are expanded to handle increased traffic.

 

The first phase of the development programme is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2026. Works include extending the runway from 1,800 to 2,000 metres, building new aircraft stands capable of accommodating up to three medium-sized jets such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 and expanding the passenger terminal from 2,100 to 3,400 square metres. Once completed, the terminal will be able to handle up to 250,000 passengers per year. The project represents an investment of around 400 million baht.

 

Trat Airport, located in Khao Saming District about 35 kilometres from Trat town and just 17 kilometres from the ferry port to Koh Chang, is a crucial gateway to Thailand’s eastern seaboard. Bangkok Airways currently operates two daily ATR72-600 flights between Suvarnabhumi and Trat, with capacity for 70 passengers per flight. From October 2025, the airline will increase frequency to three daily services to meet high season demand.

 

With its strategic location and the new upgrades, Bangkok Airways is confident Trat Airport can evolve into a fully-fledged regional hub, strengthening connectivity across Thailand and beyond.

 

Related article:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1371356-bangkok-airways-to-expand-trat-airport-runway-to-boost-tourism/

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from SiamRath 2025-09-02

 

 

 

Not another hub im hubbed out atthe moment