U-Tapao Airport near Pattaya will become an air hub and will receive up to 60 million passengers a year, Thai media reported. According to the representative of the Thai government, Tipanan Sirichana, the reconstruction will begin at the end of January.
An investment plan worth almost $9 billion is being implemented on a public-private basis. It is planned to build two runways capable of receiving aircraft of any type. The accompanying infrastructure will allow serving up to 70 boards per hour.
The new third-passenger terminal will receive modern technological support, including self-service check-in and baggage drop systems. A single new development complex includes hotels, shopping centers, and residential complexes, and where without a business park, office complexes, and exhibition centers.
The project is designed for four phases, the first will be completed next year. At this stage, the passenger flow will be increased to 16 million people, the air apron will be able to accommodate 60 aircraft. The high-speed railway will connect the air hub with Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.
Currently, U-Tapao Airport can serve up to 5 million people a year. A dozen and a half regular flights arrive here, as well as charters with tourists. For the convenience of delivering passengers to the resorts of Pattaya, a high-speed highway was built. From the airport to the city a little more than 30 km.
The authorities of the country expect that the implementation of the project will have a tremendous economic effect and will accelerate the development of tourism infrastructure in the region.