The Department of Airports (DOA) is embarking on an ambitious plan to elevate Hua Hin Airport to international status, as part of efforts to bolster regional tourism.
The airport, managed by the DOA, recently completed the expansion of its runway, now measuring 2.1 kilometers in length and 60 meters in width, capable of accommodating Airbus A320 aircraft. Three parking bays have also been set up to help service planes.
Currently, Thai AirAsia operates a three-times-a-week one-stop service between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai, but the airport’s vision extends beyond domestic routes. To welcome international flights, safety improvements around the airport are in the works. These include the expansion of the traffic tunnel on Phetkasem Road, approximately 1 kilometer from the airport, as well as enhancements to the airport train tunnel and the safe zone surrounding the airport, which will comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
The DOA has identified a company for the safety expansion project, which will require approval from the Ministry of Transport. The ministry will further forward the budget request to the Budget Bureau before the project can commence. The estimated duration for completion, following the signing of the contract, is estimated at around 600 days.
The airport is also conducting an assessment of its facility expansion options and planning to hold meetings with commercial airlines to understand their concerns. A comprehensive report is expected to be compiled this year and subsequently submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) for the approval of an international airport license.
According to Nopasit Chakpitak, President of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, the facility currently handles around 30,000 private jets annually, with the capacity to attract more air traffic. (NNT)
