Bangkok opens new airport terminal in anticipation of surge in tourist arrivals
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BANGKOK - Thailand’s capital city will add a third passenger terminal to its biggest airport, as it prepares for a surge in tourist arrivals under a visa waiver programme for Chinese visitors during the peak holiday season.
Airports of Thailand, which operates Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, opened the satellite terminal for trial on Friday. It was built at a cost of about 35 billion baht (S$1.31 billion).
Airlines including Thai units of AirAsia X and Vietjet Aviation will operate out of the facility, which is expected to reach its full capacity of 15 million passengers in 2024.
The addition of the new terminal comes as Thailand is expecting a rush of tourists during the so-called high season for its local travel industry, from the end of September until the end of February.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who attended the terminal’s soft launch, said his government is promoting tourism as it can quickly help stimulate the nation’s sagging economy.
“Tourism can create jobs and income for Thai people quickly,” Mr Srettha said, adding that he was “confident the new facility will make a good impression on international travellers” with its spacious layout and modern designs that could help position Bangkok as an aviation hub for the region.
With the addition of the satellite terminal, which is connected to the main airport building by an automated train, Suvarnabhumi Airport’s annual passenger capacity will jump to 60 million from 45 million now.
Airports of Thailand is building a third runway that will be completed in the third quarter of 2024, increasing its aircraft handling capacity to 94 flights an hour from 68 now.
Mr Srettha’s government, which took power earlier in September, has waived visa requirements for Chinese and Kazakhstani visitors for a five-month period to attract more tourists as the Thai economy faces headwinds from rising oil prices and sluggish exports.
Chinese tourists were the largest group of visitors to the South-east Asian country
Thailand, popular for its tourist destinations from temples to beaches, is expected to welcome between 25 million and 30 million travellers in 2023, who may generate 1.5 trillion baht in revenue, according to the government.
The country has seen 19.5 million tourists arrive so far in 2023, with travellers from Malaysia, China and South Korea topping the list. BLOOMBERG
