Roi Et Airport to expand runway amid passenger growth
The Transport Ministry has instructed the Department of Airports (DoA) to redevelop Roi Et Airport following a rise in annual passenger numbers.
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri approved the upgrade after inspecting the airport in the northeastern province yesterday, February 10.
During the inspection, security measures and equipment at the airport were assessed to ensure compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. The evaluation also included service quality and the management’s development initiatives.
The ministry has directed the DoA to formulate a strategic plan to improve airport services. This includes installing dual-view X-ray luggage scanners, automatic LED weapons and explosives detectors, and Electrical Distribution System (EDS) detectors with a conveyor belt.
Additionally, the DoA has been tasked with extending the runway from 2,100 metres to 2,500 metres to accommodate the rising number of passengers, according to Manaporn.
Necessary equipment is being procured by the department for this expansion, which is expected to be completed by 2030.
The improvements aim to provide enhanced facilities for airport users from neighbouring provinces such as Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Yasothorn, and Mukdahan. The airport now serves a minimum of 300,000 passengers annually.
Manaporn also announced that Roi Et Airport will introduce a customs clearance service for passengers on charter flights from abroad.
According to DoA Secretary General Danai Ruangson, Roi Et Airport’s operations have been expanding since parts of the development plan were completed last year. The airport, situated on 2,685 rai, can handle approximately 600 passengers per hour during peak times, doubling its previous capacity.
Last year, 342,970 passengers travelled on 2,114 flights through the airport, and these numbers continue to rise, reported Bangkok Post.
In similar news, a fierce debate has ignited as Airports of Thailand (AoT) makes a controversial bid to reintroduce smoking rooms at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, defying the global push for 100% smoke-free terminals.
As the world embraces stricter anti-smoking regulations, Thailand’s unexpected move has sparked widespread backlash. Associate Professor Dr Naowarat Charoenkha from the Thai Health Promotion Institute, part of the National Health Foundation, voiced serious concerns.
Dr Naowarat revealed that insiders from the National Tobacco Product Control Board (TPB) are alarmed by AoT’s proposal, which is set to be submitted to the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) on Friday, February 7.
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