Thailand’s Ministry of Transport is aiming for Bangkok’s two main airports to handle approximately 120 million passengers annually by 2029, as the government accelerates efforts to position the country as a leading regional aviation hub.
The target represents a 26% increase from the 95 million passengers recorded in 2025, with Suvarnabhumi Airport handling 65 million travellers and Don Mueang International Airport serving 30 million.
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced the ambitious growth plans following an inspection of operations at Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) and Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT).
According to the minister, the government is investing heavily in aviation infrastructure, advanced technology and workforce development to strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness and support the long-term expansion of the aviation sector.
AOT projects that by 2029, Suvarnabhumi Airport will accommodate approximately 73 million passengers annually, while Don Mueang Airport is expected to serve an additional 43 million travellers. These figures do not include passenger traffic through major regional airports such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Khon Kaen and Ubon Ratchathani.
Mr Phiphat highlighted Thailand’s strategic location as a key advantage in achieving its aviation ambitions.
“Thailand is ideally positioned at the heart of ASEAN and between two of the world’s most populous nations, China and India,” he said. “This provides significant opportunities for the country to develop into a major regional aviation and air cargo hub.”
To support future demand, AOT is advancing several major expansion projects. Suvarnabhumi Airport, which currently has an annual capacity of 60 million passengers, is preparing a 12-billion-baht East Expansion project designed to increase terminal capacity. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, subject to cabinet approval.
Meanwhile, Don Mueang Airport’s third-phase development project, which includes a new international terminal and improved transportation links, is progressing through the approval process.
Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the Transport Ministry remains confident that Thailand’s aviation industry will continue its growth trajectory, supported by rising travel demand, strategic investments and the country’s strong position within the regional aviation network.