Suvarnabhumi set to double passenger capacity

A new terminal and fourth runway could double Suvarnabhumi airport's annual passenger capacity to 120 million within the next seven years, according to Airports of Thailand's (AoT) fifth development plan for the airport.

AoT president Paweena Jariyathitipong said on Monday that the airport's existing annual capacity was about 60 million passengers in fiscal 2026, comprising 45 million at its main terminal and 15 million at the SAT-1 terminal.

Ms Paweena said AoT would soon propose the latest development plan for Suvarnabhumi airport to the cabinet, along with its East Expansion project.

The development plan includes construction of a southern terminal and the airport's fourth runway, with both projects expected to be completed within six to seven years, she said.

For the East Expansion project, the terms of reference have been prepared, with procurement due to begin next year.

The project is expected to take four years to complete and will expand service areas, including check-in counters and baggage conveyor belts, to accommodate at least 10 million passengers annually.

Together, the projects are expected to increase the airport's annual passenger capacity to 120 million, Ms Paweena said.

AoT also plans to improve the airport's duty-free area to accommodate item collection services in the arrivals area. The number of shops is expected to decrease as space is reallocated to these services, she said.

The airport has readied to introduce a premium service for very important persons (VIPs) this month to cater to businesspeople, celebrities and customers with special needs, in addition to a fast-track immigration lane.

AoT has also prepared to submit a development plan for Don Mueang airport to the cabinet. Ms Paweena said the budget for its third-phase development plan would increase from 36 billion baht, set in fiscal 2022, to 69 billion baht. The plan is expected to raise the airport's annual passenger capacity to 40 million.

The president said AoT's investment plans had been designed to accommodate growing demand while minimising the need for additional borrowing, reducing the burden on public funds while maximising benefits to the country.