PHUKET, THAILAND – Phuket airport is getting 13 new automated border control gates by September, slashing passenger wait times to just 45 seconds.
Airport chief Monchai Tanode presented the plans to the House tourism committee during a recent inspection. The airport currently operates just two automated channels linked to the e-visa system and immigration databases.
New gates cut processing to seconds
Each automated gate processes a passenger in about 45 seconds while officers run facial and visa checks. By September, 13 more gates will bring the total to 15.
The service is initially for passport holders from Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other authorized travelers.
Flight numbers dip slightly
In the current off-season, the airport handles an average of 248 flights and more than 38,000 passengers daily. Russian, Chinese, Indian, Australian, and British travelers make up the largest international groups.
Looking at the first half of the year, 53,920 flights were recorded from January to June — an average of 297 per day. That is down from 55,112 flights and 304 daily in the same period last year.
Phase 2 expansion waits for green light
The next major project is in the design stage and awaiting state approval. The phase-2 expansion includes an enlarged international passenger terminal, additional aircraft parking bays, and upgraded services.
Current annual capacity of 12.5 million passengers is set to rise to 18 million after the expansion. The plans have been on the table for years, but no concrete timeline for construction start has been set.
New direct routes for high season
Two international routes are due to launch in time for the coming high season. Indonesian carrier TransNusa plans a connection between Bali and Phuket.
Virgin Atlantic is preparing to start flights between London Heathrow and Phuket. Both routes strengthen the island’s links to key source markets.
Police chief tackles terminal traffic chaos
Police chief Pol. Col. Salan Santisasanakul raised persistent traffic problems outside the airport during the inspection. Congestion is caused mainly by private cars, taxis, and ride-hailing drivers waiting for passengers.
Many drivers illegally park in the no-stopping zone directly in front of the terminal to save fees. The police chief called for closer cooperation between airport authorities, police, and other agencies to get the problem under control.