The Transport Ministry of Thailand is planning to upgrade Hua Hin Airport to international status next year.
Transport Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced on Saturday that the ministry has directed the Department of Airports, the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, and other involved agencies to enhance operations at Hua Hin, including obtaining an international airport certification.
With passenger numbers on the rise, fully operationalizing the airport is expected to boost both domestic and international flight availability, making travel more accessible.
Moreover, the expansion of the airport is anticipated to benefit the tourism industry and provide an economic boost.
Danai Ruangsorn, the Director-General of the Department of Airports, outlined a development strategy for Hua Hin Airport that includes two key projects.
The initial project involves extending the runway to an international standard width of 45 meters to accommodate larger aircraft, at an estimated cost of 239 million baht.
Danai Ruangsorn reported, “The runway expansion has been completed and is undergoing a standards inspection by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).”
The second project plans to widen the road tunnel, the runway strip, and the safety area at the runway’s end.
He noted that this project requires an investment of about 300 million baht and is awaiting approval from the Budget Bureau.
The Department of Airports anticipates signing the contract this month, with construction beginning in January next year and completion expected by April 2026.
Hua Hin Airport currently supports Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft, each with a capacity of around 180 passengers.
Plans are underway to expand the passenger terminal, which currently accommodates 300 passengers per hour or roughly 860,000 passengers annually.
Hua Hin Airport currently operates domestic flights, with Thai AirAsia offering services on the Chiang Mai–Hua Hin route on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with one flight per day.
