Hua Hin Airport Unveils Major Upgrades to Attract Tourists

Acting director Rattapol Charoenphon recently affirmed that Hua Hin Airport, administered by the Department of Airports (DoA), is set for a major upgrade to elevate it to international status.

The Hua Hin Airport has already made significant progress in this direction by expanding its runway to a length of 2.1 kilometers and a width of 60 meters, thereby allowing Airbus A320 aircraft to land. In addition, the airport now has enough parking space for up to three A320 aircraft.

Thai AirAsia is the only airline offering a one-stop service between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai thrice weekly. Rattapol disclosed that the objective is to expand the airport’s capabilities well beyond this limitation and facilitate the management of international flights.

To achieve this, the DoA acknowledges the need to strengthen airport security. This requires several infrastructure expansions, such as the enlargement of the traffic tunnel on Phetkasem Road, approximately one kilometer from the airport, and an identical expansion for the airport railway tunnel. Additionally, the secure zone surrounding Hua Hin Airport will undergo major improvements in accordance with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The DoA has identified a potential logistics provider for the expansion project centered on security measures at Hua Hin Airport. However, before any action can be taken, the Transport Ministry must approve, as the request for funding must pass through them before getting to the Budget Bureau. Once the proposal passes through all of these stages and the contract is signed, the expansion is anticipated to be completed in 600 days.

A study examining possible expansion alternatives for the facilities is being undertaken. Consultations are being conducted with commercial airlines, and meetings are scheduled to inform management of their concerns.

In the course of the year, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand will receive a comprehensive report outlining these findings. The report is essential, as its approval paves the way for the Hua Hin Airport operating license to be granted, signifying the airport’s international standing.

Nopasit Chakpitak, the president of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, conducted a conference in the past about the prospective development of the Hua Hin Airport. He elaborated on how the airport could be redesigned to accommodate more aircraft. The primary purpose of this proposal was to promote tourism in the province.

Bangkok Post reported that Hua Hin Airport handles about 30,000 private jets yearly, indicating its significant growth potential.

Wassana Srikanchana, president of the Hua Hin Cha Am Tourism Business Association, provided a positive outlook regarding the potential effects of such an international enhancement.

Given its proximity to Bangkok, she asserted that Hua Hin Airport has great potential as an international airport. According to Wassana, constructing an international terminal at Hua Hin Airport will undoubtedly draw tourists and effectively boost the economies of Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi, which are located nearby.

SOURCE: Thaiger

Don’t just visit Thailand. Experience it like a local with the Thailand Elite Visa. This long-term visa gives you the freedom to explore Thailand at your leisure. CLICK HERE to learn more.