Thailand’s transport ministry is prioritising the development of Hua Hin Airport to meet growing travel demands and secure its ‘international’ certification. With over 75,000 passengers recorded in the 2024 fiscal year, the upgrade aims to position Hua Hin as a key gateway for global and domestic travellers. The enhancements aim to boost tourism and strengthen the local economy by improving transit connectivity.
Currently, the airport offers only domestic flights, with Thai AirAsia servicing the Chiang Mai–Hua Hin route on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Are you planning a visit to the “Land of Smiles”? Check out our story on the best time to visit Thailand.
Hua Hin Airport to go international: Key details
The Transport Ministry aims to upgrade Hua Hin Airport to be an international airport next year.
Get audio & full story in the link in the 1st comment.#BangkokPost #Thailand #HuaHinAirport #HuaHin pic.twitter.com/RHHLLCu3Q6
— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) December 15, 2024
Before obtaining international certification, Thailand’s Hua Hin Airport will need to undergo some requisite developments. The runway length and width have been expanded per international guidelines to accommodate larger aircraft. While the expansion work is complete, the runway dimensions are presently undergoing standards inspection by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), shared Danai Ruangsorn, director-general of the Department of Airports (DoA), according to a report by the Bangkok Post. This project will cost about THB 239 million.
The next phase involves scaling up the runway strip, road tunnel, and runway-end safety area. According to Ruangsorn, the project will require an investment of up to THB 300 million, pending approval from the Budget Bureau.
Currently, the airport can accommodate Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft.
Work on Hua Hin Airport is scheduled to begin in January 2025. The airstrip is expected to be ready for international operations by April 2026. This development is expected to boost tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan province and across Thailand.
(Feature image credit: Bebiezaza, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Related | Top Things To Do in Phuket, Thailand: Beaches, Shopping, Food, Pub Crawls And More
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Senior Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has ..Read More
link