Since the signing of a mutual visa exemption agreement between Thailand and China, there has been a significant uptick in flight numbers. According to the Ministry of Transport, from October of the previous year to May of this year, there were 55,433 flights recorded, marking a 213% increase compared to the same eight-month timeframe a year ago, as mentioned by Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote over the weekend.
Projections from the ministry suggest that the total number of flights operating between the two nations will reach 86,150 by the end of the fiscal year on Sept 30.
A variety of airports across Thailand, including Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Samui, and Krabi, currently host flights arriving from China. Particularly, flights to and from key economic centers such as Chengdu in southwestern Sichuan province have seen a notable rise.
During the past eight months alone, there were 5,896 flights recorded to and from Chengdu, with an expected increase to 8,850 by the end of the year.
In response to the increased flight activity, Mr. Surapong has tasked Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) with expanding their capacity to manage the heightened volume of flights. Aerothai is implementing measures to enhance air traffic service efficiency, such as establishing new parallel routes, upgrading technology systems, improving airspace structure, and refining management guidelines.
Future plans involve the implementation of a new air traffic management system and the installation of systems that enhance capacity and efficiency through air traffic flow management (ATFM) practices. The ultimate goal is to manage around 2 million flights by 2038, focusing on personnel training, route adjustments, airspace design, and the establishment of off-site backup air traffic management resources.
Nopasit Chakpitak, President of Aerothai, mentioned that the company has initiated a project to develop U-tapao Airport and the Eastern Aviation City in its initial phase. This project aims to primarily cater to air cargo transport from the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), especially flights originating from China. Additionally, it positions the airport as a prospective aircraft maintenance hub to encourage business growth, particularly in the tourism, logistics, and aviation sectors.
