Upgrading Surat Thani Airport: A Transformative Project
Runway improvements and intensified airport security measures nearing conclusion.
The Surat Thani airport is undergoing a major facelift to offer superior services, comfort, and security to passengers - all under the guidance of Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri. Here's the lowdown on this significant project:
Project Overview
- Financing and Supervision: The project, carried out by the Department of Airports (DoA), comes with a hefty budget of 799 million baht.
- Progress Report: As of May 2025, the project is around 90.5% completed.
Soaring to New Heights (Literally)
- Flight Capacity Boost: Raise your expectations, as Surat Thani airport's flight capacity will skyrocket from nine to 18 aircraft per hour, bringing more opportunities for international jollies.
- Runway and Taxiway Magic: To ensure larger aircraft can gracefully land and take off, the runways are receiving some TLC, and a parallel taxiway with state-of-the-art lighting systems is being built.
Safety and Security - Who Needs Villains When You've GOT This?
- ICAO Standards - The New Black: The security upgrades align with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, elevating safety levels in the passenger's sky-high journey.
- Security A-Game:
- Fire trucks, ready to save the day (and your flight) in an emergency.
- Weapon detectors that aren't afraid to quash any unwanted baggage.
- X-ray machines with a keen eye for detail when screening baggage.
- Explosive detectors sensing those hidden hazards.
- Panoramic cameras offering a bird's-eye view of the airside areas, aiding swift, vigilant security responses.
Serving Flying VIPs like a Pro
- Luxury Lounge: Adopting a "Living Airport" concept, Surat Thani is incorporating tourism and local flair, creating a more memorable passenger experience while trumpeting the local economy.
- Congestion Conundrum: Remedying the bottlenecks at check-in and luggage handling areas, emphasis will be placed on maintaining cleanliness and abolishing queues, contributing to a seamless travel experience.
- Transportation Takeover: A new passenger transport centre is now on-board to facilitate hassle-free transportation for tourists.
In the end, the objective behind this Surat Thani Airport upgrade is to elevate it to an avant-garde aviation hub with unparalleled passenger services and internationally acclaimed safety and security standards.
- The upgrade of Surat Thani Airport includes the construction of a parallel taxiway with advanced lighting systems, which will accommodate larger aircraft and improve air travel.
- With the new passenger transport center, Surat Thani Airport aims to provide a seamless travel experience, contributing significantly to the local lifestyle and tourism.
- The project's budget of 210 million dollars (799 million baht) will not only enhance flight capacity from 9 to 18 aircraft per hour but also upgrade security infrastructure to meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
