Airports of Thailand (AoT) anticipates a 13.32% increase in domestic and international flights at Don Mueang Airport during the New Year, with approximately 717,002 passengers expected to pass through its gates.
According to AoT President Kerati Kijmanawat, the planned flight activity represents an 88.62% recovery compared to figures from before the Covid-19 pandemic. The forecasted 717,002 passengers indicates a 19.96% rise compared to the same period last year, reaching about 85.84% of pre-pandemic levels.
“This year, the airport needs to prepare to accommodate around 102,429 passengers daily throughout the festive travel period,” Mr. Kerati stated.
The New Year travel period, defined as December 27 to January 2, will see 4,671 flights scheduled at Don Mueang, averaging about 668 flights per day. To manage this increase, preparations are already in progress.
Out of the total scheduled flights, 1,980 are domestic, and 2,691 are international, marking a 13.32% increase over the 2024 New Year travel period, Mr. Kerati noted. The estimated passenger numbers for these flights are 313,447 domestically and 403,555 internationally.
During a site inspection of the airport’s readiness for the expected surge in festive travelers, Mr. Kerati announced that a passenger facilitation center would be operational around the clock from December 27 to January 2.
Additionally, a new administrative IT system called “Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM)” will be implemented to enhance efficiency and coordination among the airport’s operations and airlines.
For travelers wishing to leave their cars at the airport during their trips, free parking for up to 250 vehicles will be available between Warehouse 2 and the five-storey car park. The total parking capacity, including both free and paid options, reaches 2,622 spaces.
Since December 1, the airport has also provided free shuttle bus services from 6 am to 10 pm daily to facilitate movement within the airport, connecting car parks to terminals with 15 designated drop-off and pick-up points.
Passengers using the public bus service will benefit from increased bus operations during the festive season, ensuring added convenience.
To enhance passenger comfort while waiting to board, the airport is arranging sufficient waiting areas, increasing the frequency of restroom cleanings, and providing dedicated space for traveling mothers with infants. Additional mobile phone charging points will be installed, and the introduction of a new automated biometric identification system is expected to expedite check-in and boarding processes. Moreover, the number of immigration officers at Don Mueang will be increased during the New Year period.
Airport security will be intensified with additional patrols around the clock, supplementing the existing CCTV surveillance.
Despite these efforts to enhance convenience and comfort, travelers are advised to leave home earlier than usual due to likely heavy traffic. Those flying internationally should arrive at least three hours in advance, while domestic passengers should allocate at least two hours for check-in.
