Phuket International Airport expansion: What to expect and why it matters
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia, handling over 20 million passengers annually. In recent years, the airport has seen a significant increase in passenger traffic, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. To accommodate the growing demand, the Airports of Thailand (AoT) is expanding Phuket International Airport. The expansion project is expected to be completed in 2027 and will increase the airport's capacity to 30 million passengers annually.
What to expect from the expansion The expansion project will include the following:
Expansion of the international terminal building
Construction of a new domestic terminal building
Expansion of the runway and taxiways
Construction of a new parking garage
The expanded international terminal building will feature more check-in counters, immigration counters, and baggage claim carousels. The new domestic terminal building will be designed to handle the growing number of domestic flights to and from Phuket. The expansion of the runway and taxiways will allow the airport to handle more flights at the same time. The new parking garage will provide additional parking for passengers and visitors.
Why the expansion matters The expansion of Phuket International Airport is vital for a number of reasons. First, it will help to reduce congestion at the airport and improve the passenger experience. Second, it will allow the airport to handle more flights and destinations, which will boost tourism to Phuket and the surrounding region. Third, the expansion will create jobs and boost the local economy.
Impact on tourism The expansion of Phuket International Airport is expected to have a positive impact on tourism to Phuket. The increased capacity will allow more tourists to fly to Phuket, and the new facilities will make the airport more efficient and user-friendly. In addition, the expansion will make it easier for tourists to fly to other destinations in Thailand and Southeast Asia. This is because Phuket International Airport is a major hub for domestic and international flights.
Impact on the local economy The expansion of Phuket International Airport is also expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. The project will create jobs in the construction and aviation industries. It will also lead to increased spending by tourists and visitors. Overall, the expansion of Phuket International Airport is a positive development for the island and the surrounding region. It will help to improve the passenger experience, boost tourism, and create jobs.