U-Tapao Airport: Construction jump in December 2025 – What can we expect?

U-Tapao Airport: Construction jump in December 2025 – What can we expect?

A lot is happening in Thailand with regard to the U-Tapao airport and the Eastern Aviation City development project. This exciting venture, operated by U-Tapao International Aviation Company Limited (UTA), continues to be plagued by delays more than five years after the contract was signed, Nation Thailand reports. A key milestone now lies ahead in December 2025, when UTA and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EEC) meet for a high-level meeting to clarify investment incentives and discuss possible contract extensions.

But what impact does all this have? The project, which involves a total investment of about 290 billion baht (around $8.5 billion), is expected to expand U-Tapao into Bangkok's third international airport. The planned high-speed rail will connect U-Tapao with the already established Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports and strengthen the entire area as a business location. As Thai Times highlights, the targeted infrastructure investments are central to the development of the Eastern Economic Corridor provinces of Chonburi, Rayong and Chachoengsao.

Delays and challenges

Despite the high expectations, progress on the U-Tapao project has so far been rather slow. The delays are due, among other things, to complications with related infrastructure projects, particularly regarding the high-speed rail network, which does not yet have a clear start date for construction. Further issues arise from uncertainties over investor privileges, which must be resolved before the Notice to Proceed (NTP) can be issued. However, Chula Sukmanop, Secretary General of the EEC Office, has stressed that UTA should not wait any longer to begin construction.

In March 2025, construction of the new airport and Eastern Aviation City is expected to begin after the initial delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainties caused by the current global situation, including the Russia-Ukraine war, became clear. As Khao24 describes in detail, the construction period will now be adjusted to a start between April and May 2025.

Vision for the future

The plans for the U-Tapao project are ambitious. In addition to the new passenger terminal and a dedicated cargo center, aircraft maintenance facilities and commercial centers are also planned. The revised passenger capacity plan could now target around 5-6 million travelers annually, a decrease from the originally planned 10-12 million, but this does not violate the existing contract with the EEC Office and allows for future expansion.

U-Tapao International Aviation Co. will work closely with the EEC Office to accelerate progress and continue to attract international investment and expertise to the region. The recent Memorandum of Understanding between the EEC and HSBC Thailand represents another important step towards financial security.

In summary, the U-Tapao project is not only intended to improve regional connectivity, but will also serve as a centerpiece for Thailand's future economic development. The Thai government is clearly on track to create a dynamic economic zone where companies from various sectors can establish themselves. In times of global challenges, it is to be hoped that the progress of this ambitious project will soon become visible.