Airports of Thailand [AOT] Public Limited Company manages six international airports in Thailand – Suvarnabhumi airport, the Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport, Phuket International Airport and Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport. Of the six airports, Suvarnabhumi airport is the country’s main international gateway.

AOT’s six airports handled 874,999 flights in 2018 compared to 823,575 flights in 2017, registering a year-on-year growth (YoY) of 6.24 per cent. Of this, around 42 per cent of the flights were handled at Suvarnabhumi airport (345,768 flights in 2017 and 364,047 flights in 2018). The total number of passengers handled at the six airports increased from 129.2 million in 2017 to 139.52 million in 2018, a YoY growth of 7.99 per cent. Of this, around 45 per cent of the traffic was handled at Suvarnabhumi airport (59.08 million in 2017 and 62.81 million in 2018). Further, of the total freight and postal parcel volume handled at AOT’s airports, Suvarnabhumi airport handled more than 90 per cent, both in 2017 and 2018.

Suvarnabhumi airport development project: Background, scope and progress so far

Suvarnabhumi airport was opened in 2006 with a capacity to handle 45 million passengers per annum (mppa). By mid-2015, the airport was handling more than 800 flights per day, more than its 600 flight capacity, and had exceeded its passenger handling capacity of 45 mppa. Given the continuously increasing aircraft and passenger traffic every year, AOT devised master plans for Suvarnabhumi airport based on traffic growth and taking into account factors contributing to project delays such as environmental impact assessment, project approval procedures, etc. To ensure its feasibility and viability, the Suvarnabhumi airport development project has been divided into four phases as detailed below.

Suvarnabhumi airport development project Phase 2 (2020): Estimated to entail an investment of 61.32 billion baht, the scope of work of Phase 2 involves construction of a satellite passenger terminal with a floor space of 216,000 square metres (sq. m) and 28 contact gates, eight of which will be capable of handling A380 aircraft. Further, the current and future terminals at the airport will be linked by an underground tunnel, with an inbuilt automated people mover system for transferring passengers. The expansion programme also involves development of an extension of the current terminal, creating an additional 60,000 sq. m of space. In addition, a new 35,000 sq. m airline office building and a 1,000-space car park are also being constructed as part of the project. Phase 2 is part of the country’s Action Plan 2016, which involves the implementation of 20 projects at a cumulative cost of 1.52 billion baht. It is currently under construction.

Suvarnabhumi airport development project Phase 3 (2021): Estimated to entail an investment of 63 billion baht, Phase 3 of the project aims to increase the airport’s handling capacity of air traffic movements until 2025, with an annual passenger handling capacity of not less than 90 mppa. It is divided into two projects:

  • Construction of a second passenger terminal to handle 30 mppa: Currently, AOT is in the process of procuring a designer for the project. It is expected to cost 41 billion baht and is scheduled to be completed by 2021.
  • Construction of the third runway: Besides the third runway, the scope of work also includes the construction of taxiway systems. It is expected to cost around 22 billion baht, including financial compensation for local residents who would be affected by the noise from planes taking off and landing. It is scheduled to be completed by 2021. MAA Engineering Consultants International Limited has been appointed for the ground improvement works of the third runway project.

In a major development, in April 2019, the Thailand cabinet cleared the project proposal on the condition that it passes the environmental and health impact assessment by the National Environment Board. The bids for the terminal are expected to be invited by end 2019 or early 2019. Currently, AOT is in the process of drafting the terms of reference (TOR) for the runway construction’s bidding process. The TOR will be forwarded to AOT’s board for consideration. The third runway project is part of Thailand’s 2015-2022 Transport Infrastructure Development Plan approved by the cabinet in March 2015.

Suvarnabhumi airport development project Phase 4: This phase aims to increase Suvarnabhumi airport’s handling capacity of air traffic movements until 2030, with annual passenger handling capacity being raised to 105 mppa.

Suvarnabhumi airport development project Phase 5: It is aimed to further increase the airport’s handling capacity of air traffic movements until 2035, with annual passenger handling capacity of up to 120 mppa.

The way forward

By 2035, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to account for over 3 billion air passengers per year, boosted by Asia’s growing middle class, rising propensity to travel and broadly improving global connectivity. This will be a boon for Thailand, which has cemented its position as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs. The country’s Suvarnabhumi airport is the 13th busiest airport in Asia and the busiest in the country, having handled 62.81 million passengers in 2018.

AOT has been undertaking the requisite steps to maintain Suvarnabhumi airport’s position as one of the leading airports in the world. In addition, the airport’s expansion plans are expected to ensure effective operation of the city’s overcrowded airport.