Airports of Thailand (AOT) is set to upgrade Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s facilities in Samut Prakan province to accommodate up to 80 million passengers annually by 2031.
AOT President Kerati Kijmanawat announced on Wednesday that the agency is revising its master plan to expand the airport’s capacity over the next decade, aiming to position it among the top 20 airports globally within five years.
The plan includes constructing a new passenger terminal named South Terminal on the southern side of the airport, projected to cost about 120 billion baht. Additionally, a fourth runway will be constructed at a cost of 20 billion baht.
These developments will enable the airport to manage approximately 80 million passengers yearly, with the South Terminal expected to take 14 months and the fourth runway about 10 months to complete.
Kijmanawat noted that the review of the master plan is set to conclude by February. AOT will then present the plan to the Transport Ministry, which will forward it to the cabinet for budget approval, expected to take at least another three months.
He anticipates that the construction bids for the projects will be opened by early 2027.
Construction timelines estimate that the South Terminal will take four-and-a-half years and the fourth runway approximately four years to complete.
The new terminal is slated to open by late 2031, with the fourth runway anticipated to commence operations a year earlier.
Kerati explained that the development is necessary due to the overcrowding at the existing main terminal.
He also highlighted the current congestion in the areas for passenger drop-offs and pick-ups, which span only 400 meters.
The construction of the southern terminal will add approximately 2 kilometers of space for dropping off and picking up passengers.
A U-shaped temporary parking design will be implemented to enhance the efficiency of passenger drop-offs and pick-ups.
Furthermore, retail spaces will be incorporated into the U-shaped area, catering to passengers who arrive early and wish to shop before their flights.
