As Thailand prepares for the Songkran festival (April 11-17), its international airports are gearing up for an expected surge in travelers. The Transport Ministry estimates a 28.50% increase in passengers, with around 2.61 million people projected to travel through these airports. International travelers are also set to rise by 46% to 1.65 million, and domestic passengers are expected to increase by 6.59%, reaching about 962,362.
The festival period is expected to see a total of 15,113 flights, up 16.71% from last year, with 8,682 international and 6,431 domestic flights scheduled. Major hubs, including Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports have made extensive preparations to accommodate the anticipated passenger volumes.
Various initiatives have been implemented to improve the travel experience amidst the heavy traffic. These include offering free parking in certain areas and promoting the use of self-service kiosks for faster check-in and baggage processing. Airports of Thailand (AOT) said it is keeping a close watch on operations to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.
The State Railway of Thailand has also modified its ticket reservation system to better meet the high demand expected during Songkran, extending the period for advance bookings. Through these measures, the Transport Ministry has expressed confidence in smoothly managing the increase in travel activity while prioritizing the safety and convenience of all travelers. (NNT)
