BANGKOK, Nov 21 – Transport Minister Prajin Juntong supports the plan of Airports of Thailand (AoT) to spend Bt93 billion on improving Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket airports to serve increasing traffic.
During his visit to AoT headquarters on Thursday, Air Chief Marshal Prajin said the plan was aimed at increasing public convenience.
For example, queuing time in front of immigration booths would be reduced from an hour to 15-30 minutes, the minister said.
Under the airport improvement project, Suvarnabhumi Airport would have another runway, renovation, higher cargo handling capacity and better safety systems for clients, ACM Prajin said.
AoT Chairman Prasong Poontaneat said Bt85 billion would be spent on Suvarnabhumi airport including Bt20 billion for a satellite terminal.
Don Mueang Airport improvements will cost Bt3 billion to raise its passenger-handling capacity to 30 million annually.
Terminal construction at Phuket Airport is estimated at Bt5 billion.
AoT must borrow to fund part of the investment.
Meanwhile, it was calculating a budget to improve duty-free zones at airports to attract travelers, Mr Prasong said.
