Thailand airports boost biometrics for faster service times
The Airports of Thailand (AoT) is enhancing its biometric identification systems to expedite service times at airports. Yesterday, January 8, AoT Director Kerati Kijmanawat confirmed that this system has been implemented at six major international airports managed by AoT, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, and Hat Yai. However, the system currently does not fully support Thai ID cards.
From January 15, the biometric systems will accommodate ID cards without expiration dates, issued to individuals aged 70 and older. Additionally, the system will be upgraded to support ID cards with names exceeding 20 letters in English.
Kerati mentioned that AoT will utilise various technologies to enhance services further. During the new year festival, from December 27 to January 2, Suvarnabhumi Airport recorded 1.4 million passengers, marking a 16.1% increase from the previous year.
The airport managed 7,707 flights, representing a 14.3% rise. Don Mueang Airport saw 758,929 passengers, a 27% increase, and 4,914 flights, up 19.2%.
Chiang Mai Airport experienced a 19.7% rise in passengers, totalling 233,769, with 1,425 flights, a 12.1% increase. Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport had 46,190 passengers, up 14.5%, and 318 flights, up 12%.
Phuket Airport witnessed a 20.4% increase in passengers, totalling 437,411, and 2,573 flights, up 20.5%. Hat Yai Airport had 66,092 passengers, an 18.2% increase, and 448 flights, up 17.9%.
Kerati noted the data reflects a return to normalcy in passenger and flight numbers following challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit stated that 2.97 million passengers travelled through AoT’s airports during the new year period, a 19.7% increase from the previous year.
This included approximately 1.84 million international passengers, up 23.8%, and 1.13 million domestic passengers, a 13.5% rise, reported Bangkok Post.
During this period, all six airports operated smoothly without congestion, particularly at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The average service time for international arrivals was 22 minutes, while departures took 28 minutes. Domestic arrivals took about 12 minutes, with departures averaging 16 minutes.
In related news, the House Committee for Transportation is actively monitoring the progress of Andaman International Airport‘s construction in Phang Nga, which is set to open by 2030.
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