Nearly finished upgrades to airport runway along with enhanced security measures
Updated Surat Thani Airport Infrastructure Overhaul
Here's the lowdown on the exciting changes happening at Surat Thani airport, all set to revamp your travel experience!
The airport's under the spotlight these days thanks to a major upgrade initiative overseen by the Department of Airports, and let me tell ya, it's gonna be a game-changer! With a whooping 799 million baht budget, this transformation ain't no small potatoes.
So, what's the plan? Well, the improvements will equip the airport to handle bigger planes and boost the number of flights it can process from nine to a mighty 18 per hour. This means more international flights for y'all!
As of early May 2025, the project's already 90.5% complete, y'hear? Runway reinforcement and a spiffy new parallel taxiway with lighting systems are the main attractions. The goal? To ensure smoother landings and takeoffs for the bigger birds!
Now, let's talk safety. No compromise there! The upgrade includes upgraded airport infrastructure, safety equipment, and state-of-the-art security systems. Fire trucks, walk-through weapon detectors, dual-view X-ray machines, explosive detectors, and panoramic surveillance cameras are all aboard to make things as secure as can be!
Passenger services? Top priority! The Department of Airports is on a mission to reduce congestion and improve efficiency. Cleaner facilities, better management, and the implementation of the "Living Airport" concept – that's local tourism and cultural touches in the terminal – are all part of the plan.
Currently, the terminal can handle up to 1,400 passengers per hour and 4 million annually. Parking for 210 cars and 11 aircraft bays are available, and the apron can accommodate 10 large aircraft or up to 19 smaller jets like the A320 or B737.
The 3,000-metre-long, 45-metre-wide runway can handle nine flights per hour. And don't worry, if you're a tourist, a new passenger transport centre's already up and running to lend a helping hand!
With the project close to the finish line in mid-2025, Surat Thani airport's set to double its flight handling capacity, beef up security measures, and enhance your travel experience with a touch of local flair!
The airport's upgrade will not only increase its flight handling capacity, but also introduce the "Living Airport" concept, integrating local tourism and cultural elements into passengers' lifestyle during travel. As a result of the infrastructure overhaul, international travelers can expect smoother departures and arrivals, making the airport a more appealing destination for their travel itinerary.
