The Thai government has outlined an ambitious objective to handle one million flights nationwide in the upcoming year, bolstered by the recent launch of the third runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport on 3 October 2024. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri emphasized that this initiative is aligned with Thailand’s goal of positioning itself as the region’s premier aviation hub, while also supporting tourism growth and broader economic recovery.
During the 2024 fiscal year, Thailand reported a total of 836,513 flights, reflecting a 16% increase compared to the previous year. Suvarnabhumi Airport, the country’s main international gateway, handled 348,980 of these flights, averaging 950 per day, signaling a return to near pre-pandemic levels. Ms. Manaporn confirmed that expectations are high for further growth as the airport moves toward the target of accommodating one million flights in the 2025 fiscal year.
Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai), responsible for air traffic management, has been preparing for the increased demand by enhancing its operational capacity. Aerothai President Nopasit Chakpitak noted that extensive preparations have been underway for over five years, including the development of air traffic control (ATC) procedures, air navigation system installations, and staff training.
The introduction of the third runway significantly boosts the airport’s flight handling capacity, raising it from 68 to 94 flights per hour. The new parallel runway operations allow for simultaneous takeoffs and landings, streamlining air traffic flow and reducing taxi times, which will support smoother airport operations and improve overall efficiency in handling the expected surge in flights.
