The U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport is set to begin construction of its second runway this year, marking a major step in expanding the airport’s capacity and enhancing its role in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Chula Sukmanop, secretary-general of the EEC, announced that the project is currently applying for a loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to fund its development. Italian-Thai Development (ITD) has been selected as the contractor for the project.
According to Tharit Issarayangyun, EEC deputy secretary-general, the second runway will be 3,505 meters long and located 1,140 meters from the existing runway. The project is being planned in collaboration with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). Once completed, the new runway will be able to accommodate large aircraft and handle up to 70 flights per hour. The total investment in the runway is estimated at 15.2 billion baht.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the delay in the construction of the high-speed railway, a key EEC infrastructure project intended to connect three major airports: Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao. The high-speed railway project, which involves a joint venture between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Asia Era One, a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, is still under negotiation. The final agreement is expected to be reached by the end of the month.
One major aspect of the high-speed rail project is the construction of a tunnel that will pass underneath the new runway at U-Tapao Airport. Mr. Chula confirmed that the design of the tunnel has been completed, and the project will proceed in parallel with the runway construction. The runway is expected to take 36 months to build, while the tunnel is required to be completed within the first 18 months of the project. If the high-speed rail tunnel cannot be finished by early 2025, the EEC is considering transferring the tunnel construction from Asia Era One to the SRT to prevent delays in the runway project.
Mr. Tharit emphasized that both the SRT and Asia Era One are aware of this contingency plan, stating that the tunnel segment under the runway and the adjacent passenger terminal will span approximately three to four kilometers, with an estimated cost of 10 billion baht.
Meanwhile, Weerawat Phantawangkul, CEO of U-Tapao International Aviation, announced that the broader development of the airport is scheduled to begin next year. This comprehensive plan will involve the construction of three major projects on a 6,500-rai plot, with an expected investment of at least 100 billion baht in the first phase alone. The airport’s renovation is anticipated to take at least five years, further solidifying U-Tapao’s role as a key aviation and economic hub in the region.
