THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: In a case of better late than never the Thai government has approved a Bt62.5 billion (about $US1.982 billion) upgrade for Bangkok International Airport aimed at increasing passenger capacity from the current 45 million a year to 60 million.

However, the expansion program will not be completed until 2015/2016, forcing Airports of Thailand (AoT) to juggle aircraft traffic flow by shifting some arrivals and departures to non-peak periods.

Unlike earlier expansion proposals which included extending the two existing runways to 3,000 meters and building a third runway and a new domestic passenger terminal, the plan approved by cabinet last week involves none of these, allowing the project to proceed without the need for public hearings and environmental and health impact assessments.

The expansion plan envisages the construction of a satellite passenger terminal about 800 meters south of the existing terminal, linked by an underground automated people mover. The new concourse will accommodate 28 aircraft including A380 superjumbo jets, and there will also be new taxiways, buildings for airline offices and car parking.

AoT made its first expansion proposal to government in late 2007, one year after Suvarnabhumi opened and last week said the airport will reach its maximum capacity of 45 million passengers this year if current trends are maintained.

AoT president Serirat Prasutanond described the government approval as being “better late than never” and said a project management consultant will now be sought to carry out work such as design and contractor selection, with construction expected to start in 2012.

Mr. Serirat said the state owned airport operator will invest Bt45.05 billion ($1.440bn) in the project from its own funds, with the 17.45 billion ($US557,864 million) balance being funded by loans or debt instruments.

By John Le Fevre

Thailand Travel News for September 01, 2010