Bangkok: Thailand is gearing up to inaugurate the third runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport, a strategic move aimed at enhancing the country’s air traffic services and positioning it as a regional aviation hub. The new runway is expected to support a projected 16% growth in the number of flights nationwide by 2024, with a goal of accommodating over one million flights by 2025. The Aeronautical Radio of Thailand has expressed confidence in the country’s readiness for this expansion, following more than five years of preparation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mrs. Manop Jareonsri, Deputy Minister of Transport, highlighted that the inspection of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co., Ltd. (AEROTHAI) emphasized the readiness of systems, equipment, facilities, and personnel to support the new runway. In the fiscal year 2024, Thailand is set to handle 836,513 flights nationwide, marking a 16% increase from 2023 figures. Suvarnabhumi Airport alone recorded 348,980 flights, averaging 950 flights daily, with numbers approac
hing pre-COVID-19 levels. The expansion is seen as crucial for Thailand’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub and to boost tourism and the economy in line with government policy.
Mr. Noppasit Chakrapitak, CEO of Airports of Thailand (AOT), detailed the comprehensive preparations undertaken by AOT, which included operational concepts, environmental impact assessments, air traffic control procedures, and training of air traffic controllers. These measures, along with the development of air navigation and traffic management systems, have been ongoing for over five years. The readiness to operate all three runways at Suvarnabhumi Airport has been confirmed, ensuring the airport’s capacity increases from 68 to 94 flights per hour.
The new runway will also introduce Simultaneous Parallel Operations, providing greater flexibility in air traffic management. Runway management will become more efficient, with take-off and landing operations positioned closer to parking bays to reduce taxiing time, enhancing bo
th fuel efficiency and operational speed. AOT’s collaboration with airports and airlines aims to further elevate the country’s aviation potential.