Airports of Thailand-120 Million Passengers Growth

October 31, 2024

Significant Rise in Air Traffic and Passenger Numbers
Airports of Thailand (AoT) recently announced a major increase in air traffic, with nearly 120 million passengers recorded during the last fiscal year, ending on September 30. This impressive 19% growth over the previous year highlights the rapid recovery and resurgence of the aviation sector following the COVID-19 pandemic. The substantial rise in passenger numbers signals a return to pre-pandemic levels of business and leisure travel, showcasing an optimistic outlook for Thailand’s aviation and tourism industries.

AoT’s Airport Network: Key Hubs for Tourism and Commerce
AoT operates six major airports critical to Thailand’s tourism and commercial sectors: Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang in Bangkok, Chiang Mai in the north, Phuket in the south, Mae Fah Luang in Chiang Rai, and Krabi International Airport. Each airport plays a vital role in Thailand’s infrastructure, connecting international and domestic travelers to key destinations nationwide. Suvarnabhumi, the largest hub, handles a significant portion of Thailand’s international arrivals, while Don Mueang serves both domestic and international low-cost carriers, contributing significantly to the overall growth in passenger traffic.

Rise in International Travelers and Domestic Travel Trends
Out of the total passengers, international travelers made up a significant portion, with a substantial increase from the previous fiscal year. This growth underscores Thailand’s appeal as a global travel destination, especially following the easing of travel restrictions worldwide. Meanwhile, domestic travel recorded a steady number of travelers, indicating a stable travel pattern among Thai nationals and residents exploring various regions across the country.

Flight Movements and Growth in International Services
Across AoT’s airports, flight movements reached high levels, reflecting year-on-year growth. International flights saw notable growth, underscoring Thailand’s increasing significance as a key connecting hub in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, domestic flight movements showed a slight decrease, possibly indicating a shift in travel patterns as global travel resumed, with travelers opting for international destinations after the pandemic.

AoT’s Growth Forecast for the Coming Year
Looking forward, AoT expects passenger numbers to continue their upward trend, projecting a steady increase in travelers over the current fiscal year. Anticipated flight movements are also expected to grow, underscoring the strong recovery momentum in Thailand’s aviation sector. AoT President Kerati Kijmanawat shared that this positive outlook aligns with a busy winter season, traditionally a popular travel period. The increase in flights from China, Malaysia, India, Singapore, and Hong Kong further highlights Thailand’s appeal within the Asia-Pacific region.

Winter Season Boost from Inbound Flights
With the winter travel season approaching, AoT anticipates a significant boost in flight activity, especially from neighboring countries and key markets. This seasonal increase in air traffic reflects Thailand’s popularity among travelers from China, Malaysia, India, Singapore, and Hong Kong, with winter offering favorable weather conditions and seasonal festivities for tourists from these regions.

AoT’s Goal to Become a Top-Tier Flight Operator
To support this anticipated growth, AoT is focusing on enhancing aviation services and infrastructure to meet the demands of rising air traffic. President Kijmanawat has expressed a commitment to positioning AoT among the world’s top airport operators, aiming for international recognition for service excellence. Prioritizing improvements in passenger experience, reducing congestion, and ensuring high safety standards are essential steps in this vision. AoT’s ambition to align with global standards positions it to attract both international and regional travelers with a well-managed and service-oriented airport network.

Aerothai’s Role in Adjusting Flight Paths for Seasonal Weather
In line with this growth, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) has indicated that flight path adjustments may be needed for arrivals at Bangkok’s two main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. Seasonal weather shifts, including changes in wind patterns during the cooler months, necessitate these adjustments for maintaining safety standards. Aerothai’s proactive approach ensures that pilots and airlines are ready to adapt routes as needed, reflecting Thailand’s commitment to aviation safety and efficient air traffic management, especially during unique weather conditions that can impact flight operations.

Source: aseannow.com