Phuket residents and tourists can look forward to a new international airport by the end of next year. The airport is slated to be operational by December 2025 and later expected to improve logistics and air traffic congestion within the province, according to a report in The Bangkok Post in September 2023.
Phuket Airport System Expansion Plans
The new Phuket International Airport will cost THB 5.8 billion (USD 1.8 billion) and is part of the government’s infrastructure development project to improve travel within the island and connect Phuket to neighboring provinces, Krabi and Phang Nga — forming the “Andaman Coast Tourism Cluster” or “Andaman Triangle.”
The ambitious plan includes a THB 80 billion Phang Nga International Airport and a THB 2.7 billion facelift for the existing Krabi Airport. According to the Australia-based Centre for Aviation (CAPA), the Airports of Thailand’s Board has approved these projects, requiring a budget of THB 120 billion (USD 3.7 billion).
Answering Calls for Infrastructure Expansion as Andaman Province Tourism Sees Growth
In August 2023, tourism operators in the Andaman provinces pleaded with the new Thai Prime Minister to invest in infrastructure in Phang Nga by expanding its airport facilities. This request stemmed from Phuket airports operating at maximum capacity due to a rapid increase in tourist demand for the South area post-pandemic.
When Phang Nga reached 70% of its 2019 tourism levels, local officials predicted full bookings and increased passenger flow once global travel restrictions eased. The expansion of Phuket’s international airport aligns with accommodating more tourism within the island province.
Phuket’s Tourism and Post-COVID Growth
Phuket is Thailand’s second largest contributor to tourist revenue after Bangkok, Thailand’s Capital City. Since the global pandemic hit nearly two years ago, Phuket’s tourism industry has made an impressive recovery. The Phuket Tourist Authority (PTA) reported an 80% improvement in arrivals compared to its pre-pandemic performance in 2019.
Currently, Phuket welcomes an average of 500,000 to 600,000 tourists each month, a promising sight for the local tourism sector. The PTA is committed to further boosting domestic and international arrivals through initiatives like roadshows and multi-platform promotions. The agency anticipates that arrival statistics will surpass 2019 records by the end of 2023.
Phuket and Beyond: Implications of Airport Expansion for Tourism
The expansion of Phuket’s airport system is a positive development for tourism in the region. Tourism operators expect improved connectivity between Phuket, other areas of Thailand, and the world. Additionally, the island is looking at an impending boost in tourism investment, support in the local economy, optimistic impacts on Phuket’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination, and, most importantly, new job opportunities for locals.
Learn more about the island province by checking out our Phuket Travel Guides!
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Featured Image: Dmitriy Soloduhin via Unsplash
