Airports of Thailand (AOT) recently announced the official launch of its comprehensive 10-year development strategy for Chiang Mai International Airport. The key goal of this initiative is to enhance the airport’s capacity to cater to up to 20 million passengers annually by 2033.
The Deputy Director of Chiang Mai International Airport also highlighted that the airport currently accommodates a maximum of 8 million passengers per year. Importantly, the annual passenger count registered a significant 11% growth rate before the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2019, the airport catered to over 10 million passengers, making Chiang Mai the fourth largest airport in Thailand. This growth in traffic prompted AOT to develop a development strategy aimed at further expanding the airport’s capacity.
Increased passenger traffic can be attributed to intense competition among domestic low-cost airlines. Moreover, more foreign visitors are visiting the North of Thailand, particularly Chinese tourists.
Chiang Mai Airport’s expansion plan will be divided into three phases. The first phase, between 2022 and 2029, encompasses a feasibility study, an environmental impact assessment, facility enhancements, and construction. The construction phase, from 2026 to 2029, will develop a capacity for 16.5 million passengers per annum. The last phase, from 2030 to 2033, will further amplify the airport’s capacity to accommodate 20 million passengers. By 2033, the airport will be able to handle 31 flights per hour.
The expansive plans encompass the development and upgrading of various facilities, including runways, taxiways, passenger terminals (both domestic and international), refueling stations, office spaces, parking areas, roads, electrical substations, and wastewater treatment facilities.
(Source: BNN Breaking)
