Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), a state enterprise under the Ministry of Transport, is responsible for the management and operation of the majority of Thailand’s airports. The Kingdom currently has 38 airports, including seven designated as international gateways. Of these, six—Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, and Mae Fah Luang—are under the supervision of AOT, while U-Tapao International Airport is operated by the Royal Thai Navy.

Thailand is well connected to the world through a wide range of international carriers. The national flag carrier, Thai Airways International Public Co., Ltd., operates flights to 62 destinations across 27 countries and is a proud member of the Star Alliance Network, which comprises 27 leading airlines and offers global connectivity across all continents.

In addition, robust domestic air services ensure seamless travel to every region of the country, served by both Thai Airways and a variety of low-cost carriers. This comprehensive air transport network strengthens Thailand’s position as a premier aviation hub and a gateway to Asia and beyond.

In the fiscal year 2024, the airports served a total number of 140 scheduled airlines, comprising 128 mixed passenger/cargo airlines and 26 pure cargo airlines. In the fiscal year 2024, the total number of In fiscal year 2024, Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) served a total of 140 scheduled airlines, comprising 128 passenger–cargo combination airlines and 26 dedicated cargo airlines.

During the year, aircraft movements across AOT’s six international airports totaled 732,688 flights, representing a 14.50% increase from the previous year. Of this figure, 416,187 were international flights (up 29.63%) and 316,501 were domestic flights (down 0.73%). Passenger traffic reached a record 119.29 million travelers, reflecting a 19.22% increase. This included 72.67 million international passengers (up 34.82%) and 46.62 million domestic passengers (up 1.01%). Cargo and postal throughput amounted to 1.42 million tons, a 23.06% increase overall. International freight accounted for 1.39 million tons (up 23.81%), while domestic freight totaled 26,230 tons (down 6.93%). Suvarnabhumi Airport served a total number of 127 scheduled airlines with 59.99 million of passengers, comprising 48.43 million international passenger and 11.56 million domestic passengers.

Suvarnabhumi Airport Development Project: Expanding Capacity for the Future

The Suvarnabhumi Airport Development Project Phase II included the construction of the SAT-1 Terminal, connected to the main passenger terminal by an automated people mover system. Completed and officially opened in September 2023, this new terminal has expanded the airport’s passenger handling capacity from 45 million to 60 million passengers annually, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and passenger convenience. In parallel, AOT also commissioned the third runway in 2023, boosting runway capacity from 68 to 94 flights per hour. This expansion directly increases the airport’s ability to accommodate growing international and domestic air traffic. Looking ahead, the East Expansion Project is underway. This development will extend the eastern side of the main passenger terminal, adding capacity for an additional 15 million passengers per year. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027, further strengthening Suvarnabhumi’s capacity to meet future demand.

Hours of Operation: 24 hours

Aircraft parking space: Installed with 64 aircraft boarding bridges, including 28 contact gates:

- 8 Code F gates – capable of handling large aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8

- 20 Code E gates – designed for wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340

Duty-Free Zone (Cargo Warehouses) : The government has a policy to promote Suvarnabhumi Airport as a Center of Aviation, Passenger and Cargo Transportation. Therefore, the Duty-Free Zone was created in order to facilitate the handling of inbound, outbound cargo and transit cargo with minimum customs procedure. The Duty Free Zone is located in the northwest end of the Airport, and has a total area of 549,416 m2 or about 345 Rai, as a well as public area of 111,156 m2 .The main buildings consist of

- Thai Airways International Public Company Limited and WFS-PG Cargo Company Limited Cargo handling building.

- 4 Warehouse

- 4 Freight Forwarding Agency Buildings

- Office Building for Customs Office and related government agencies

- Free Trade Zone Administrator Building

In fiscal year 2024, Don Mueang International Airport continued to strengthen its role as one of Thailand’s key aviation gateways, serving 25 scheduled airlines, all operating mixed passenger and cargo services.

The airport recorded a total of 197,520 commercial aircraft movements, representing an 11.47% increase compared to the previous year. This comprised 83,060 international flights (up 28.73%) and 114,460 domestic flights (up 1.59%). Passenger traffic also demonstrated solid growth, reaching 29.15 million passengers—a 13.25% increase overall. This included 11.78 million international passengers (up 35.30%) and 17.37 million domestic passengers (up 1.98%). Cargo and postal services saw remarkable expansion, with total throughput rising to 22,547 tons, a sharp 104.69% increase. International cargo accounted for 20,737 tons (up 153.91%), while domestic cargo totaled 1,810 tons, reflecting a decline of 36.45%. Don Mueang International Airport Development

The Don Mueang International Airport Development Project Phase III will further expand capacity. The project includes the construction of a new international passenger terminal and renovation of Passenger Terminal 1, increasing the airport’s handling capacity from 30 million to 50 million passengers per year. Currently in the design stage, the project is expected to be completed by 2030, positioning Don Mueang to accommodate future growth in both passenger and cargo traffic.

In fiscal year 2024, Phuket International Airport continued its strong growth trajectory, serving 57 scheduled airlines with a total of 98,711 flights, an increase of 19.97% from the previous year. Of these, 53,378 were international flights (up 36.49%) and 45,333 were domestic flights (up 5.00%). Passenger traffic rose significantly to 16.39 million travelers, representing a 25.94% increase. This comprised 9.86 million international passengers (up 42.99%) and 6.52 million domestic passengers (up 6.70%). Cargo and postal volumes surged to 54,001 tons, a remarkable 145.85% increase. International cargo accounted for 49,473 tons (up 183.66%), while domestic cargo totaled 4,528 tons (up 0.09%).

Looking ahead, the Phuket International Airport Development Project Phase II is set to further enhance the airport’s capacity. The expansion of the international passenger terminal will increase handling capacity from 12.5 million to 18 million passengers annually. The project is scheduled for completion in 2029, ensuring Phuket remains a leading gateway for tourism and commerce in southern Thailand.

U-Tapao International Airport, located in Rayong Province, is undergoing major development to enhance its capacity and infrastructure, positioning it as a key hub in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

The airport currently operates one standard runway, 3,500 meters long and 60 meters wide, with 52 aircraft parking bays. When fully utilized, the runway can accommodate up to 20 million passengers per year. Passenger Terminal 1 currently serves around 700,000 domestic and international passengers annually, while the upcoming Passenger Terminal 2 is expected to handle approximately 3 million passengers per year.

The urgent development plan includes both brownfield and greenfield projects. Brownfield upgrades will enhance the existing service area, add a second runway, establish an aviation personnel training center, and improve public utilities to support airport expansion.

Greenfield projects will include the construction of the U-Tapao Aircraft Maintenance and Repair (MRO) Center Phase 1, the Air Cargo Center Phase 1 in collaboration with Thai Airways International PCL, and the Aviation Personnel Training Center Phase 1 in partnership with the Civil Aviation Training Center.

These developments will significantly increase the airport’s capacity and operational capabilities, strengthening U-Tapao as a strategic aviation hub in eastern Thailand.