Trang Airport terminal’s delay spikes airfares, tourism at risk
Rath Pooklang, head of the Trang People’s Voice Network, met with Deputy Minister of Transport, Manop Charoensri, urging immediate action on the stalled construction of the new passenger terminal at Trang International Airport, alongside addressing exorbitant airfares affecting tourism.
Rath and his civic team travelled to Bangkok to present a letter to the deputy minister, highlighting the need for an investigation into the unfinished terminal project, which has a budget exceeding 1.2 billion baht. The construction, nearly 98% completed, has been abandoned by the contractor for over six months, leading to significant deterioration of the terminal and surrounding infrastructure.
A direct consequence of the construction halt is the inflated airfares. With fewer flights available due to the unfinished terminal, competition is low, resulting in higher ticket prices for passengers. Rath mentioned a recent incident where a passenger displayed a one-way ticket priced at nearly 4,000 baht.
According to the airport, this is attributed to supply and demand dynamics but Rath urged airlines and the airport to address this issue, as the local population cannot afford such steep prices.
The stalled construction not only impacts passengers financially but also poses security and maintenance concerns. With the terminal unfinished, there is a risk of theft and further damage to the building’s contents. Rath expressed concern over the negative image this portrays for Trang province, urging local tourism authorities to investigate the situation. The current state of tourism in Trang is suffering significantly.
The inability to complete the airport project hampers connectivity and accessibility, crucial factors for boosting tourism and the local economy. The high airfares further deter potential visitors, adding another layer of complexity to the region’s challenges, reported KhaoSod.
In other 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.
