UTA, EEC Office Sign Deal to Kick-Start U-Tapao Airport

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

The U-Tapao International Aviation Company (UTA) and Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EEC Office) have signed a new agreement to formally kick-start the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City (EECa) project, with construction of Airport City and key infrastructure set to begin in February 2026. The agreement is intended to unlock progress on a long-delayed flagship investment expected to stimulate tourism, attract global investors and support long-term economic growth.

The signing took place on 29 January 2026 and marks the fourth joint agreement between the parties since the project contract was first signed. UTA said the measures contained in the memorandum of understanding would act as a practical mechanism to ensure the project can now move forward in a concrete and sustained manner after years of delays.

The U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City project is a cornerstone of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor development plan. Since the original contract was signed around five and a half years ago, the project has faced repeated obstacles that caused construction to stall. Despite these challenges, UTA and its partners have continued negotiations with the public sector to find solutions that would allow development to proceed.

Mr Keeree Kanjanapas, Chairman of U-Tapao International Aviation Company, said the agreement represents an important milestone for the project. He expressed confidence that the EECa would help attract world-class investors, boost tourism and generate income for Thai people in the long term, supporting Thailand’s ambition to become a global destination. He added that the first project expected to start later this year will involve property development on approximately 6,500 rai to accommodate investors and build confidence that the EECa is ready to welcome investment.

EEC Office Secretary-General Chula Sukmanop said UTA has agreed to waive certain contractual conditions linked to construction plans and the high-speed rail project connecting three airports. These conditions were considered to have a significant impact on overall project progress and their removal is intended to reassure both the government and investors in the EEC. UTA will begin by developing the most urgent components of the project.

Following the waiver, the EEC Office plans to issue a Notice to Proceed (NTP) to UTA within February 2026, formally starting the project timeline. After the NTP is issued, both sides will jointly define mitigation measures to address project impacts before submitting them to the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee for approval under legal procedures.

Khoasod reported that once the NTP is in place, UTA will prioritise construction of Airport City and essential infrastructure to stimulate passenger numbers and attract continued investment. Separately, the Royal Thai Navy is currently building the airport’s second runway and taxiway, which are expected to be completed by November 2028, alongside utilities such as water, wastewater, electricity and aviation fuel systems.

Key Takeaways

• UTA and the EEC Office signed a new agreement on 29 January 2026 to restart the U-Tapao Airport and EECa project.

• Construction of Airport City and key infrastructure is scheduled to begin from February 2026 following the issuance of an NTP.

• The Royal Thai Navy is developing the second runway and core utilities, with completion expected in November 2028.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-30