On the occasion of its 46th anniversary on July 1, 2025, Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (SET: AOT) affirms its commitment to global airport excellence by delivering the best possible passenger experience and accelerating the development of all six airports under its operation. This effort aims to enhance Thailand’s air transport infrastructure to meet international standards.
Ms. Paweena Jariyathitipong, Acting President of AOT, stated that as AOT marks its 46th year on July 1, 2025, the organization continues to play a key role in advancing the country’s air transport infrastructure and logistics system. AOT is dedicated to developing modern and efficient airports as gateways to Thailand, while striving to become the regional aviation hub. In addition to focusing on elevating service standards to global levels, AOT supports the tourism and service industries, which are key drivers of Thai economy, and promotes both aeronautical and non-aeronautical businesses to generate economic value and enhance the country’s competitiveness.
AOT manages six major airports in Thailand, namely Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), Phuket International Airport (HKT), and Hat Yai International Airport (HDY).
For the first eight months of fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 – May 2025), these six airports collectively served 88.53 million passengers, marking a 9.2% increase compared to the same period last year. This total comprised 54.24 million international passengers (up 10.8%) and 34.29 million domestic passengers (up 6.9%).
During this period, a total of 544,590 flights were operated, representing a 10.9% growth. International flights accounted for 308,777 (up 12.5%), while domestic flights totaled 235,813 flights (up 8.9%). Additionally, AOT projects that in the fiscal year 2026 (October 2025 – September 2026), passenger numbers will exceed 130 million with more than 859,000 flights. Cargo and postal volumes are forecasted to reach approximately 1.64 million tons.
These figures demonstrate consistent growth in the aviation and air transport industry. As a leading airport operator, AOT is determined to improve both service quality and infrastructure to enhance travel experiences, making them smooth, rapid, and impressive, while meeting future passenger demands. AOT emphasizes an “World Class Hospitality” concept, prioritizing exceptional service, attentiveness, and genuine Thai hospitality, all while ensuring maximum safety throughout the passenger journey.
AOT has collected data on average processing times across its six airports, which show strong efficiency—surpassing the set benchmarks. For example, at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the average international arrival time is 21 minutes, international departure time is 27 minutes, domestic arrival time is 14 minutes and domestic departure time is 15 minutes. At Don Mueang International Airport, the average international arrival time is 21 minutes, international departure time is 22 minutes, domestic arrival time is 8 minutes, and domestic departure time is 10 minutes.
AOT also places significant emphasis on Airport Service Quality (ASQ) at all six airports. A major initiative is the modernization of airport spaces to make them open, bright, clean, relaxing, and responsive to passenger lifestyles. Examples include improved zoning in new terminals, recreational areas, children’s play zones, comfortable waiting spaces, more charging stations, and displays of Thai and international arts and culture. At Suvarnabhumi Airport, which handles the highest passenger volume, AOT plans to propel Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) into a regional aviation hub by significantly enhancing passenger experience and satisfaction through the “Suvarnabhumi Airport Experience Enhancement” project. Currently, Concourse C is being renovated to include new amenities for all age groups, such as Kids and Gaming Zones for families, Relaxing Zones, Co-Working Spaces, and Digital Park Seats for business travelers. This area will be operational in 2026. Additionally, restrooms and other airport facilities are being upgraded and expected to be completed by 2028.
In terms of infrastructure development, AOT aims to expand its capacity across six airports to accommodate according to its passengers’ growth. Key development projects for the airports are as follows:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) will accelerate the construction of its East Expansion, aiming for completion by 2030, to increase its capacity from the current 65 million passengers per year to 80 million passengers per year. Currently, the Suvarnabhumi Airport master plan is under study, with completion expected later this year. Concurrently, AOT will begin developing the South Terminal and the 4th Runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
- Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) expects to commence construction of Terminal 3 by 2026. Terminal 3 is projected to open by 2030 to accommodate international passengers. Following this, AOT plans to renovate Terminal 1 by 2032 to serve domestic passengers.
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) will be renovated and expected to be completed by 2033. This will increase Chiang Mai Airport’s capacity to handle 20 million passengers per year.
- Phuket International Airport (HKT) will construct an extension to its International Passenger Terminal which is expected to be completed by 2030 and will increase HKT’s capacity to 18 million passengers per year.
- Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) has development plans to increase its passenger handling capacity from 3 million to 6 million per year. This expansion is expected to be completed by 2033.
Ms. Paweena emphasized that while AOT continues to invest in infrastructure and passenger services to support its goal of becoming a regional aviation hub and increasing aeronautical revenue, AOT also seeks to diversify its income streams for financial resilience and long-term sustainability. In particular, it aims to grow non-aeronautical revenue by leveraging the commercial potential of land around its six airports. AOT held the AOT Property Showcase on April 29, 2025, which attracted significant interest from domestic and international investors. A total of 28 proposed projects were submitted, covering diverse business areas such as hotels, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) centers, private jet terminals, logistics hubs training centers, EV repair centers, car showrooms, EV charging stations, and Attractions in Terminal Project. AOT is currently accepting project proposals for evaluation and alignment with its long-term strategic direction.
In closing, Ms. Paweena reiterated AOT’s commitment to continuous development, aiming to deliver a world-class travel experience through excellence in infrastructure, service, and innovation. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that air travel in Thailand remains convenient, safe, modern, and passenger-friendly. This commitment strengthens AOT’s position as a leader in airport management and highlights its vital role in Thailand’s air transport system, contributing to the continued growth of the country’s economy.
