Sunday, August 25, 2024 As Thailand continues to attract a growing number of tourists, the country’s airport infrastructure is expanding to keep pace with the demand. Thailand has embarked on an ambitious project to upgrade and expand its U-Tapao airport, originally built during the Vietnam War era. This airport, located approximately 90 miles southeast of Bangkok, near Sattahip on the Gulf of Thailand, is set to become a pivotal part of the nation’s aviation network.
The project, named the “Eastern Aviation City,” aims to alleviate the pressure on Thailand’s two other major airports, Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi. U-Tapao will be connected to these airports and will eventually have the capacity to serve 60 million passengers. The project is expected to span several decades, with completion anticipated in phases stretching to 2055.
In 2023, Thailand welcomed over 28 million foreign tourists, generating over one trillion Thai baht (approximately £22 billion) for the country’s economy. The new aviation hub is expected to bolster this growth, serving nearby popular destinations such as Pattaya and Rayong, known for attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth, Ko Lan Beach, and the Underwater World Pattaya Aquarium. The first two phases of the project involve the construction of new terminals, with the first terminal expected to be completed this year, adding 60 parking spaces and increasing the airport’s capacity by 15.
4 million passengers. The second phase, slated for completion by 2030, will further expand capacity, followed by additional phases extending into the 2040s and 2050s. The development is being funded through a public-private partnership, with the design and consultancy firm One Works collaborating with infrastructure company GMR Group, Thai AirAsia, and other stakeholders.
The project is set to create 15,600 jobs and will include a group transportation center, logistics and cargo complex, free trade zone, and commercial center. According to One Works, “Our design proposal positions UTP as a state-of-the-art, sustainable transport hub that will become the premier node of transport, commerce, and culture on Thailand’s eastern seaboard.” The airport’s expansion is not only a response to the growing number of tourists but also an effort to promote innovation and provide a unique travel experience that reflects traditional and contemporary Thai values.
As Thailand looks to the future, the Eastern Aviation City promises to be a cornerstone of the nation’s economic and tourism growth, offering modern facilities and infrastructure that will significantly enhance the travel experience for millions of visitors..
