The Transport Ministry is making significant strides to upgrade Hua Hin Airport into an international airport, with plans to complete the transformation by next year.
Transport Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced on Saturday that the ministry had instructed the Department of Airports, the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, and other relevant agencies to accelerate the development of Hua Hin Airport, including obtaining the necessary certification to operate it as an international airport.
As passenger numbers continue to rise, the full operation of the airport is expected to boost both domestic and international flights, offering greater convenience for travelers. This expansion will not only benefit the tourism sector but will also have a broader economic impact, stimulating local businesses and infrastructure development.
Danai Ruangsorn, the director-general of the Department of Airports (DoA), outlined the two major components of the development plan for Hua Hin Airport. The first phase involves expanding the runway to meet international standards, including widening it to 45 meters to accommodate larger aircraft. This project, which has already been completed, cost approximately 239 million baht and is now undergoing a standards inspection by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
The second phase of the plan focuses on further infrastructure improvements, including expanding the road tunnel, runway strip, and runway-end safety area. This phase is estimated to require an investment of 300 million baht, and it is currently under review for approval by the Budget Bureau. The Department of Airports expects the contract for this phase to be signed by the end of this month, with construction set to begin in January 2025. The project is expected to be completed by April 2026.
Currently, Hua Hin Airport can accommodate aircraft such as Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s, which can carry up to 180 passengers. The passenger terminal, which is also set to undergo expansion, is currently capable of handling 300 passengers per hour, equating to approximately 860,000 passengers annually.
At present, Hua Hin Airport serves domestic flights, with Thai AirAsia operating a route between Chiang Mai and Hua Hin on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, offering one flight per day. With the planned upgrades, the airport is poised to handle an increased volume of both domestic and international travelers, further enhancing Hua Hin’s appeal as a destination.
