Suvarnabhumi Airport: Master plan for aviation center shapes the future!

Suvarnabhumi Airport: Master plan for aviation center shapes the future!

Yesterday, October 28, 2025, the seminar “Skyconomy: Thailand’s Runways to Aviation Hub” was held, organized by Bualuang Securities (BLS). During the event, Ms. Paweena Jariyathitipong, President of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (SET: AOT), announced a new master plan to develop Suvarnabhumi Airport. This plan aims to establish the airport as a regional aviation hub and will soon be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. AOT is aiming to increase the share of sales in the aviation business from the current 50% to around 60%, while the non-aero share should fall accordingly to 40%.

A crucial point in the master plan is the adjustment of the Passenger Service Charge (PSC). AOT has proposed to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to increase the PSC to at least 200 baht. This adjustment was last made 19 years ago and was previously canceled due to delays in the board appointment process. In addition, AOT requires that CAAT review the PSC every five years in accordance with global airport standards. These measures are part of AOT's strategy to increase revenues and profits and to offset the impact of the duty free agreement with King Power.

Technology adoption plans and fee adjustments

Dr. AOT President Kerati Kijmanawat also announced the launch of the new Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) at six international airports in Thailand, including Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. This system is intended to improve service efficiency and make it easier for passengers to use airport services. Various technologies are used to prevent longer waiting times.

As part of these developments, AOT will adjust the passenger fee, with international passengers increasing from 700 baht to 730 baht and domestic passengers increasing from 100 baht to 130 baht. This adjustment will take effect on April 1, 2024 and will be submitted to CAAT for approval.

Ambitious expansion plans for Suvarnabhumi Airport

To meet increasing travel demands, Suvarnabhumi Airport is planning a large-scale expansion. With a new south tower and a fourth runway, annual passenger capacity is expected to double to 120 million. The plan is already 70% complete and is expected to be approved by October. These measures are necessary not only to meet increasing demands, but also to strengthen competitiveness in global air transport. The expansion will have to compete with major regional airports, including Chongqing in China.

Regarding the financial aspects of the project, AOT plans to manage investments cautiously. Investments of 120 billion baht are planned for the construction of the south tower in the coming years. The aim is to support passenger capacity to 70 million per year. Additionally, a separate investment of 3.9 billion baht will modernize baggage handling and automate transfers between the main terminal and satellite terminal to minimize delays.

All of these measures underline Thailand's ambition to establish itself as a major aviation center and strengthen the infrastructure for future growth in international air transport. The conflict with King Power over the duty free contract will be resolved by November, while AOT simultaneously pursues a long-term vision for the development of the airport.

With these comprehensive plans, AOT demonstrates that Thailand's aviation industry is on a stable, albeit challenging, trajectory and remains an important driver of economic growth in the country.