The Transport Ministry aims to support six airport development and construction projects to position the country as a transportation hub in the region.
On Monday, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced that representatives from the ministry’s Airport Department, the Airport of Thailand, the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, and other relevant agencies recently participated in the 59th Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Conference held in the Philippines from October 14-18. This conference brought together international aeronautical authorities from 47 countries to discuss the economic growth of air transport, with predictions indicating passenger numbers could double within the next two decades.
She noted that significant infrastructure investments will be necessary, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The conference also highlighted the “Net Zero Roadmap: Decarbonise Your Airport” initiative, which encourages the achievement of zero emissions and promotes transportation equality.
Following the conference, Ms. Manaporn stated that the ministry is gearing up to back the Airport Department’s nationwide infrastructure investment plans. These initiatives aim to enhance the capacity of existing airports and establish new ones in six provinces: Mukdahan, Bueng Kan, Satun, Phayao, Kalasin, and Phatthalung.
She mentioned that the ministry has directed the Airport Department to prioritize designs that ensure user safety and to implement sufficient up-to-date safety measures for security screening. Additionally, the department is encouraged to adopt universal design principles to enhance accessibility for disabled users, further promoting transportation equality.
Moreover, Ms. Manaporn emphasized the importance of developing the new airport projects sustainably and ecologically, aiming for zero carbon emissions and achieving Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 5.
Danai Ruangsorn, the director of the Airport Department, reported that airport projects in Mukdahan, Bueng Kan, and Satun are currently in the design phase and undergoing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). A budget for conducting an EIA for the Phayao airport in the coming year has already been approved, while Kalasin and Phatthalung airport projects are in the feasibility study stage.
He concluded that these airport projects will foster transportation equality and provide employment opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, all under the guiding principles of sustainability, flexibility, and comprehensiveness.
Photo credit: Alexi Van Damme CEO and Founder AX Media Thailand
