New terminal to boost U-Tapao Airport

[Jonathan Fairfield]

New terminal to boost U-Tapao Airport

by Wanwisa Ngamsangchaikit

BANGKOK, 30 October 2015: A new airport terminal scheduled to open in June next year will help U-Tapao Airport cope with growing passenger traffic.

Speaking at Association of Thai Travel Agents monthly meeting on Thursday, the airport director, Rr Adm Wasinsan Janthawarin, said the new terminal will ready in March and officially opened 1 June, next year.

“The airport will serve both military and commercial flights under the concept of One Airport Two Missions. The new facilities will give airlines an opportunity to add new services ahead of the 2016 peak season.”

The new building, together with the existing terminal, will raise passenger capacity from 800,000 to 3 million per year. Between 2018 and 2020, capacity will increase to 5 million passengers.

The navy owned and operated airport would be responsible for air traffic control and all ground services, while Thai Airways International would provide support in other areas on request, such as inflight catering.

The airport will most likely see a growth in charters from western Europe and China.

AirAsia Group is the airport’s main customer after the Malaysia company began direct U-Tapao-Kuala Lumpur services four times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday).

Read more: http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2015/10/new-terminal-to-boost-u-tapao-airport/

[KhunBENQ]

I hope they will soon offer cheap bus/van transport to and from U-Tapao.

The lack thereof is a reason to avoid it at the moment.

It surprises me, that Air Asia doesn't offer, are they serious?

Or have I missed good news?

[Oink]

I hope they will soon offer cheap bus/van transport to and from U-Tapao.

The lack thereof is a reason to avoid it at the moment.

It surprises me, that Air Asia doesn't offer, are they serious?

Or have I missed good news?

What may also surprise you, if you take the trouble to actually check the Air Asia website is that they offer transfers between the airport and downtown Pattaya.

So yes, you have missed it completely!

[chiang mai]

I hope they will soon offer cheap bus/van transport to and from U-Tapao.

The lack thereof is a reason to avoid it at the moment.

It surprises me, that Air Asia doesn't offer, are they serious?

Or have I missed good news?

Just curious since it's been much time since I last visited: what's the going rate for Pattaya to U-Tapao?

[gchurch259]

I would expect rail service between Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao before long, long over due service to Pattaya.

[hugh2121]

What about parking? Anyone heard of plans for car parking?

[Oink]

What about parking? Anyone heard of plans for car parking?

There is parking for hundreds of cars. Baht 70 for 24 hours.

Last time I flew there were only about 30 cars. As all of the passengers were on board 20 minutes before the departure time, they closed the doors and took off.

Cool

Edited November 1, 2015 by Oink

[Oink]

I hope they will soon offer cheap bus/van transport to and from U-Tapao.

The lack thereof is a reason to avoid it at the moment.

It surprises me, that Air Asia doesn't offer, are they serious?

Or have I missed good news?

Just curious since it's been much time since I last visited: what's the going rate for Pattaya to U-Tapao?

Check the Air Asia website. Transfer UTP to Pattaya Central Baht 110 each way

[GOLDBUGGY]

So how far is it to Pattaya?

[sharecropper]

There was an article in the Publication that we dare not speak its name (but Google "AOC claims U-tapao upgrade problematic") which was excellent, and a predictable antidote to this Puff Piece.

[KhunBENQ]

So how far is it to Pattaya?

About 40 km (25 miles) on the shortest route. Still a lot of two lane roads. Not too fast.