RAYONG, THAILAND – Plans to turn U-Tapao into a new aviation hub with initial capacity for three million passengers per year were presented as part of a wider Eastern Economic Corridor strategy.
Project launch: U-Tapao to become new aviation hub
Developer U-Tapao International Aviation (UTA) unveiled its development plan for U-Tapao Airport and the “Eastern Airport City” (EECa). The project aimed to position U-Tapao as Thailand’s third international airport and a regional aviation center.
According to the plan, the airport and surrounding aviation city were designed to support a new business ecosystem. This ecosystem was expected to link aviation services with investment and tourism activities in the Eastern Economic Corridor.
Presentation in Rayong: UTA and EEC outline the plans
UTA chief Keeree Kanjanapas presented the project together with EEC secretary-general Chula Sukmanop. The presentation took place at the Naval Aviation Command in Ban Chang district in Rayong province.
The event brought together representatives of the developer and the EEC office to explain the scope and goals of the aviation city. They highlighted U-Tapao’s planned role within Thailand’s broader transport network.
EEC strategy: Investment and high-value tourism
The aviation city project was embedded in the overarching strategy of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). This strategy focused on attracting high-quality investment and promoting high-spending tourism to the region.
According to those involved, several domestic and foreign investors had already expressed interest in joining the planned new business ecosystem. The project was presented as a key element in positioning the corridor as a high-value economic zone.
First phase: New terminal for three million passengers
Keeree Kanjanapas stated that UTA was ready to move ahead once the project officially began.
“UTA is prepared to start implementation after the project launch,”
said Keeree Kanjanapas, UTA chief.
The first step was to be the construction of a new passenger terminal. This facility was intended to increase capacity to three million passengers per year in the initial phase.
Incentives and financing: State support seen as key
UTA said it planned to work with the EEC to introduce state incentives. These measures were meant to build confidence among financial institutions and investors.
Keeree also stressed that the experience of UTA’s shareholders should help attract foreign investors and major private companies to EECa. The developer viewed this backing as crucial for securing large-scale participation.
Notice to Proceed: Conditions on timing and rail link eased
A “Notice to Proceed” issued on 3 April relaxed certain conditions related to the construction schedule and the opening of the high-speed rail line. Previously, these requirements had to be met before development could even begin.
By easing the conditions, authorities allowed the airport project to move forward without waiting for all rail-related milestones. This change was expected to accelerate early phases of construction.
High-speed rail remains key success factor
A source described the high-speed rail project as a critical success factor for the “U-Tapao Aviation City” and the overall plan. The rail link was viewed as central to connecting U-Tapao with other major airports.
The EEC was urged to resolve outstanding obstacles so that the rail connection could start operating as close as possible to the launch of airport operations. Coordinated timing of rail and airport services was seen as important for the hub’s competitiveness.