On March 20, 2024, Thailand’s King and Queen are set to officially inaugurate the SAT-1 terminal and the third runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This marks a significant milestone in the airport’s expansion, which aims to enhance passenger capacity and solidify its position as a key international aviation hub.
According to Kirati Kitmanawat, President of Airports of Thailand (AOT), the SAT-1 terminal has been in partial operation since September 2023 and has already shown promising results. A recent survey of passenger satisfaction rated the facility at 4.8 out of 5. The terminal, which accommodates up to 15 million additional passengers annually, has 28 gates and serves over 50 airlines, handling approximately 150 flights per day.
The third runway, operational since November 2023, has increased the airport’s capacity from 64 to 96 flights per hour, effectively reducing congestion and waiting times. Suvarnabhumi Airport handled around 60 million passengers in 2023, with projections for 2024 expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels at 64 million.
To further expand capacity, AOT plans to launch a bid in May 2024 for the construction of an eastern expansion of the main terminal, covering approximately 60,000 square meters at a cost of THB 12 billion. The project is set to begin by November 2024 and is expected to be completed within three years. Additional developments include a South Terminal, SAT-2, an automated people mover system, and a fourth runway, with total investments reaching THB 130 billion. These projects, slated for completion by 2033, will enable the airport to accommodate up to 150 million passengers annually, placing it among the world’s top ten busiest airports.
Officials from the Ministry of Transport and AOT have confirmed their compliance with the government’s directive against transferring additional airports to AOT’s management. The decision follows a previous Cabinet resolution that granted AOT control over three regional airports, a matter now under review.
