The Transport Ministry is aiming to back six airport development and construction projects to establish the country as the transportation hub of the region.
On Monday, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced that representatives from the ministry’s Airport Department, the Airports of Thailand, the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, and other relevant agencies recently participated in the 59th Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Conference in the Philippines.
Held from October 14-18, the conference gathered international authorities from 47 countries to discuss air transportation’s economic growth, with projections suggesting that passenger numbers will double in the next 20 years.
Manaporn indicated that significant infrastructure investment is necessary, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
The conference also focused on the “Net Zero Roadmap: Decarbonise Your Airport” initiative, promoting the goal of achieving zero emissions and advocating for transportation equality.
Following the conference, Ms. Manaporn stated that the ministry is preparing to support the Airport Department’s investment plans for infrastructure across the nation. These plans aim to expand the capacity of existing airports and develop new ones in six provinces: Mukdahan, Bueng Kan, Satun, Phayao, Kalasin, and Phatthalung.
She emphasized that the ministry has directed the Airport Department to prioritize designs that enhance user safety and to incorporate modern safety equipment to improve security screenings. Additionally, there is an emphasis on adopting universal designs for accessibility for disabled users, promoting transportation equality.
Moreover, Ms. Manaporn highlighted the importance of ensuring that the new airport projects are developed sustainably and ecologically, aiming for zero carbon emissions and achieving Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 5.
Danai Ruangsorn, the director of the Airport Department, mentioned that the airport projects in Mukdahan, Bueng Kan, and Satun are currently in the design phase and undergoing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Funding for an EIA for the Phayao airport has been approved for next year.
The projects in Kalasin and Phatthalung are still in the feasibility study stage. He noted that these airport projects will foster transportation equality and promote the employment of individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultural values, guided by principles of sustainability, flexibility, and comprehensiveness.
