Thailand airports see passenger surge with 19% increase

Thailand’s air travel sector is experiencing a significant upswing, with the nation’s six principal airports reporting a surge in passenger numbers. In the fiscal year ending yesterday, these airports welcomed 119.2 million passengers, marking a 19% increase from the previous year, as reported by the Airports of Thailand (AoT).

The AoT oversees operations at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Mae Fah Luang in Chiang Rai, and Krabi airports. Among the 119.2 million travellers, 72.6 million were international passengers, reflecting a 34.8% rise, while domestic travellers accounted for 46.6 million, showing a modest 1% increase.

Flight activity at these airports also saw a notable increase. The six airports collectively managed 732,690 flights, which is a 14.5% uptick from the previous year. This included 416,190 international flights, a substantial rise of 29.3%. However, domestic flights experienced a slight dip of 0.73%, totalling 316,500.

AoT President Kerati Kijmanawat conveyed optimism for the current year, projecting 129.9 million visitors, an anticipated increase of 8.9%, alongside over 800,000 flights across the six airports.

For the upcoming winter flight schedule of 2024/2025, Kerati noted a planned 370,239 flight arrivals and departures, reflecting a 22.1% rise from the previous season. Of these, 222,780 are expected to be international flights, a 33.1% increase from last year, predominantly arriving from China, Malaysia, India, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

“The rise in traffic is expected to bring in 23% more visitors during the current cool season,” Kerati remarked, underscoring the importance of enhancing airport services to achieve the status of the world’s best flight operator.

In related developments, the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) has issued guidance for flights approaching Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports during the cool season. Changes in wind speed and direction may necessitate an altered flight path over the city centre to maintain safety.

Nopasit Chakpitak, president of Aerothai, explained that shifting weather patterns, as the country transitions from the rainy season to the cool season, could impact traditional landing routes, reported Bangkok Post.

“Aerothai will work closely with the Meteorological Department of Thailand to manage aviation traffic effectively and ensure passenger safety.”

As temperatures are expected to drop across Thailand over the next four months, both AoT and Aerothai are preparing to adapt their operations to maintain safety and efficiency in aviation traffic management.