Phuket Airport expansion set to handle 18 million passengers
Expansion aims to ease overcrowding, boost tourism, and solidify Thailand’s status as an aviation hub
Phuket is set to soar to new heights as Airports of Thailand (AOT) pushes forward with Phase 2 of its ambitious Phuket Airport Development Project.
The expansion will increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate a whopping 18 million passengers annually, positioning Thailand as a key player in regional aviation.
Yesterday, May 7, AOT hosted the first public seminar for the project at the Splash Beach Resort in Phuket, inviting over 150 stakeholders from government agencies, private enterprises, and local organisations to share their views on the project’s objectives and benefits.
The seminar, chaired by Police Colonel Adul Chuthong, Deputy Governor of Phuket province, aimed to foster collaboration and gather feedback to ensure the project’s success.
Speaking at the event, Pol. Col. Adul highlighted Phuket’s role as a premier marine tourism hub with a well-connected international airport.
“The progress of the Phuket Airport Development Project, Phase 2, will help accommodate the growing number of tourists and boost the local economy, improving the quality of life for residents.”
Phuket Airport, which currently handles 12.5 million passengers annually (5 million international and 7.5 million domestic), has been operating beyond its capacity since 2019. The Phase 2 expansion is essential to meet the increasing demand, according to Monchai Tanode, Director of Phuket Airport.
“The new development will increase our capacity to 18 million passengers per year, with a particular focus on expanding the international terminal to handle 10.5 million passengers annually.”
The expansion will include the addition of seven new aircraft parking bays next to the terminal and significant upgrades to the airport’s traffic system and public utilities. These improvements will ensure smoother, safer, and more convenient travel, meeting international standards.
The project is being overseen by AOT with the assistance of the P.K.A.C. consulting group, which is conducting a comprehensive survey and design for airside work, passenger terminal upgrades, and support systems, reported The Phuket News.
Upon completion, the expanded airport will help drive Thailand’s tourism, trade, and investment sectors, strengthening its position as a competitive regional aviation hub.
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