Bangkok, Thailand – AOT is set to invest around 80 billion baht over the next five years to expand several airports, focusing on Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket with new tenders, a major terminal project and added capacity for millions more passengers.
Suvarnabhumi faces new tenders
Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn said after policy handover to the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited that AOT should accelerate tenders for a second provider of parking and ground equipment at Suvarnabhumi as well as for a second cargo services provider, since contracts expire in September 2026.
“AOT should accelerate the tenders for the second provider of parking and ground equipment at Suvarnabhumi Airport and for the second provider of cargo services.”
said Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Transport Minister.
At the same time, AOT is to submit plans for the East Expansion passenger terminal and for Don Mueang Phase 3 to the cabinet. The government aims to develop Thailand as a hub for travel and connections to many countries.
East Expansion to start first
AOT CEO Paweena Jariyathitipong stated that the company has a five-year investment plan for expanding airport capacity totaling around 80 billion baht. Most projects have already completed feasibility studies and been submitted to the Office of National Economic and Social Development.
“The company has a five-year investment plan for expanding airport capacity with a total volume of around 80 billion baht.”
said Paweena Jariyathitipong, AOT CEO.
The first project to be tendered is the East Expansion, with an investment value of about 12 billion baht. The tender is to start by the end of this year, construction in early 2027, and operations after four years of construction in 2030.
Don Mueang and Phuket included
Don Mueang’s third expansion phase is also being pushed forward. A total budget of 69 billion baht is now planned, after the project was originally estimated at 36 billion baht. The higher amount is due to the war situation and rising construction costs.
In the first five years, infrastructure and Terminal 3 are to be built with around 30 billion baht; the project is to go to the cabinet this year and construction start early next year.
Phuket gets more space for travelers
The five-year plan also includes the Suvarnabhumi master plan for 2025, with infrastructure and various supply systems to be developed for around 20 billion baht. For Phuket Phase 2, another approximately 10 billion baht is allocated. This will increase Phuket airport’s capacity from the current 12.5 million to up to 18 million passengers per year. AOT also said that sufficient investment funds are available for the first five years and no loans will be taken.