Airports across the country are expected to handle more than 18,000 flights during the upcoming New Year holiday, as Thailand’s aviation industry continues to recover and grow, according to the Transport Ministry.
From December 27 to January 2, a total of 18,280 flights are projected, averaging 2,211 flights per day. This represents a 14% increase compared to the same period last year, as reported by Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri.
The figures were compiled by the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd (Aerothai).
The rise in domestic air travel is attributed to the high demand from people returning home for the holidays and tourists traveling to the provinces to celebrate the New Year, according to the deputy minister.
The aviation industry is expected to maintain strong performance next year, with at least one million flights projected to serve airports nationwide, up from 981,270 flights this year.
Ms. Manaporn also noted that airports’ facilities and technologies will be upgraded to accommodate the growing traffic, driven by the steadily recovering tourism sector.
To prepare for the New Year travel surge, the deputy minister instructed Aerothai and relevant agencies to adopt the I-Smart approach, which focuses on inclusivity, safety, security, sustainability, approachability, reasonable pricing, and timely travel with the support of technology.
The goal is to ensure a smooth and convenient travel experience while preventing flight delays and reducing overcrowding during check-in.
Aerothai president Nopasit Chakpitak stated that the company is increasing High Intensity Runway Operations (Hiros) during the holiday period to maximize runway capacity. Hiros works by reducing the time each aircraft occupies the runway, allowing more flights to land and take off.
Additionally, preferred-exit taxiways will be opened to ease congestion on the runways.
Mr. Nopasit explained that Hiros could increase Suvarnabhumi Airport’s capacity to 94 flights per hour, up from the current 68, and raise Don Mueang Airport’s capacity to 57-60 flights per hour, compared to the current 52.
Phuket International Airport is also preparing for a significant increase in flight traffic over Christmas and New Year.
